CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4469, 20 September 1922, Page 2

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

. — -O —— ■ ’ A READY RESPONSE. The news of the peril in the Near East and this Dominion’s offer to send out a contingent was received wita great excitement in Paeroa on Monday, and some delay was occasioned in obtaining definite information as to the true position pf affairs. Shortly after 4 p.m. Major Andrews, O-8.E., N-iS.S.C., officer commanding the local defence district, received instructions to take the names of volunteers wishing to serve overseas, preference toeing given to returned officers and N.C.O’s. of the Great War who are, of course, medically fit, officers and N.C.O’s. of the Territorial Forces, either active or reserve lists, and others from the age of 21 to 45 years. As soon as information became known the Ipcal defence office was literally besieged with men volunteering for service in any capacity. Twp local returned soldiers were the first to enlist, and before the defence office closed at a late hour on Monday some score of names had been handed in. Volunteers have been eoming forward steadily since and on enquiry from the local defence authorities this morning we find that some 367 meh have registered their names—surely a very creditable record for Paeroa and district—and although one and all are heartily sick of war it is certainly a matter for congratulation the ready and cheerful spirit with which volunteers are coming forward, Although the cabled war news to-day seems to be a little brighter and more encouraging it is not a time to be unduly optimistic or in the least off bun guard. It seems inevitable <that Soviet Russia will join forces with the Turks, and we cannot blind ourselves to the fact of the grave peril in which w-3 stand as regards a greater part of India and practically tihe whole of Egypt. In connection with the of enlistments recorded above it is interesting to note that ip "A” area;, comprising Rotorua, Tauranga, Matamata, Piako, Ohinemuri, Thames, and Coromandel, the total number is 228, while “B” arpa, consisting of Gisborne, East Coast, and a portion >f the East Taupo' County, some 139 names have been received. Owing to the distance frpm the local Defence headquarters and the feet that the Telegraph Department is at present coping with heavy pressure 'of work, consequent on enlistments, the numbers of? which have to be telegraphed headquarters, and the fact taht the these figures will be very largely increased. One very pleasing feature in connection with the local registrations is the splendid type of manhood that is offering. Men who have volunteered will be notified in due course, should their services be required, as to the date and place of medical examination. AU instructions as received bv the Defence authorities will be immediately promulgated per medium of the press.