Military Service

Levin Daily Chronicle, 6 February 1917, Page 3

Military Service

TELEGRAM . FROM HON. J AS. ALLEN. (To Tho Chronicle). Wellington, February 5. Recruiting for the 27th and 28th Reinforcements closed on Saturday, and 1 a ballot is now proceeding. The total number of voluntary enlistments for the 27th (liraft was 1251, and for the 28th draft 766, leaving a respective shortage of 922 and 1367 for the two reinforcements. The total number required to be balloted for bo as to allow tho usual margin for exemptions and medical unfitness is 6867. It is expected that the Gazette containing the lists of reservists on whom the lot has fallen will be published at the beginning of next week; and, as announced previously, the medical examination of all men so called up for service will be commenced forthwith. I wish the men who are passed as unfit for active service to clearly understand that there is no need for them to appeal; or, if they have already sent in an appeal that there is no need .for them to pursue the appeal; they should at once withdraw their appeal and thus save their own time as well as that of the Military Service Boards. A man who is passed as unfit will be transferred to tlie home section of the expeditionary force, and will be given indefin't leave without pay, which means that he will' be in a position to continue his ordinary civil life. If at any time men are wanted for home service, a call will be .made for volunteers from those who have been passed as unfit. I think tlm explanation is necessary, as many men seem to be under the impression that though unfit for active service their transfer to home service means that they are to be held by the Defence authorities for service in New Zealand. That is not so; unfit men who are wanted for service ih the camps and forts and defence service in the dominion will be readily . obtainable by voluntary enlistment.

"If at 'any time it should become necessary to compulsorily call up the men who axe now passed as unfit in order to use them for home service in the dominion, the same (right of appeal will be extended to them as is now.given to the men who are passed as fit for active service with the Expeditionary Force. I ailso wish to announce tli ait. the ballot for the shortages in two Reinforcements this month ia solely due to the fact that more time is required (between the date of the ballot and the time when the men are due in camp to commence training) in which to medically examine the men and hear appeals etc. At the present time only one month has been allowed for these things, hut by the alteration now made two months will fee 'available.

JAMES ALLEN; Chairman Recruiting Board