LACK OF SHIPS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1918, Page 3

LACK OF SHIPS.

Despatch of reinforcements AFFECTED. WELLINGTON, May 21 ■ Sir James Allen said to-day that owing to the lack of sufficient shipping it might not be possible for New Zealand to fulfill completely its undertaking to the Imperial Government in the matter of the despatch of additional reinforcements up to the month of August. The Dominion’s quota Kould, however, be nearly equal to the commitment. Sir James Allen said,. aLo, that he anticipated that after August the rato of reinforcement would revert to that in force before the urgent appeal for more men came from the Imperial Government, which made a temporary increase in the rate of despatch part of the policy of the New Zealand Government. This announcement has not been i>n- J expected among those in touch with recruiting and embarkation work. Tfc is*v not expected that there will be sufli-i cient shipping available to carry largo numbers of men from New Zealand ioi tiie latter months of this year, nor does there seem to be any hurry about getting men into camp early. All the tuen who are now being medically examined are being given leave until the September draft is mobilised. None qf the second lot of the Class IL men,“can go into camp before this date, of them may be a month or two - months later. If the old rate is to lie reverted to, lists of 10,000 balloted men will not be necessary every month. The question lias been discussed by the Department however, as to whether it will not be a wise policy to call up the married men as soon as they can bo conveniently dealt with', and to Have them medically examined. It may be therefore, that for some time mtdieal examinations will be in excess of fesuiting requirement.,