THE NEED FOR RECRUITS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 37, 13 October 1915, Page 5

THE NEED FOR RECRUITS.

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE.

TOTAL NUMBER SENT, 28,0001 CASUALTIES, 7145.

Peb Press Association. Wellington, October 12

In the House of Representatives this evening Hou. d. Allen .said he had promised to make a statement regarding recruiting. The total number of men sent to the front was- 28,000, and at an early date that number would be increased to 38,000. One hundred and eighty-seven nurses had been sent, iu addition to a number who had gone to England on their own account. Medical officers and hospital staff totalled 1159, and 20 postal units had been despatched. The original strength of the main force was about 7800, and when two new battalions are added to its strength will be 14.324. The casualties to date, lie regretted to say, amounted to 7145, of whom 2000 will return to New Zealand. All must realise the task was great to keep up reinforcements, but he was confident the country would not shirk the responsibilities. Any shortage in men at present was more apparent than heal. They followed a certain policy in sending reinforcements, based on the advice of the Army Council. In the near future it would be necessary to accelerate the sending of reinforcements. and in view of this he had been looking into the man supply of the country. Last census showed that there were between the ages of 20 and 40; Single men 112,000; married 79,000; a total of 191.000. A great proportion of these should be available for recruiting. In order to meet future demands it was proposed to vary the regulations by increasing the age of recruits to 4 years, and reduce the standard height from oft 4in to oft 2in. With these modifications he thought they would be able to say “Yes” to the request made by the Army Council. He asked members of Parliament to assist recruiting on their return to their homes. He further proposed to assist recruiting by sending reinforcements every month, instead of every two months, for which transport arrangements had been made. The requests of the Array Council put these demandsupon the country, and it was also a privilege to be able to comply. He asked that the industries of the country be interfered with as little as possible. He felt confident that all that was needed could be clone by the will of the people, but if the voluntary system failed, the National Cabinet would hot hesitate to take a drastic step towards securing compulsion.