MEN, MORE MEN!

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1726, 16 June 1917, Page 3

MEN, MORE MEN!

SIR JAMES ,\FLEX’S CAXDID oi* ixi ox. .\ nek la ml, dune Id. Sir James Allen stated to-day that the remaining reserves of the First Division, together with the combing out which must take place before the Second Ibvi-ton i- called upon by ballot -houid Ia -1 Lor tour or Jive month- yet. Thi- estimate depend- upon the number of unlit men among tho-e that remain. “i think, however, there will be no necessity (o call upon the Second Division in September. .1 should -ay it will be mure likely October or November, There are about men in the Second Division, and even if we allow .10,Olid lor the .selection of recruit- for each draft, that would mean twelve monthsupply.” Sir Jame- Allen declared that the Dominion was in honour bound to keep up its reinforcements to the present -trenglh. "New Zealand has not done a- much in proportion as Britain or France, and people win.) make comparison- between uaml Australia and Canada tire, to my mind, only seeking an escape, instead of trying to do their duly. We have been informed by the authorities at Home that the present percentage of reinforcements is absolutely necessary to keep the New Zealand division up to strength, and no more. There is a question which we may have to consider,” he added, “that is whether it is wise to continue the district system when we reach the Second Division or whether it would not be better to have a ballot from one roll embracing the whole Dominion. Every district would stand the same chance. The matter has been considered.” They were not at present, stopping voluntary enlistment in the Second Division, but “my own opinion," 1 said Sir James, “is that voluntary recruiting should be slopped altogether.”