New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 97, 26 July 1916, Page 5

New Zealand

- 19th REINFORCEMENTS. Per Press Association. Wellington, July 25. The registrations for the 19th reinforocements, which mobilise for training this week, show a Dominion excess of 98 over normal requirements. jThe official figures of the enlistments ■for the infantry and all other arms ,oi the service being full as at date iof Friday, the 21st inst., are as follows : v , Auckland military district, an excess of one. Wellington military district, an excess of 75. Canterbury military district, an excess of 32. Otago military district, a shortage of 10. A total Dominion excess of 98. At the same date 1158 infantry had registered for the 20th Reinforcements, which is .due to mobilise for, training at the end ot August. As the normal requirement for infantry for each four weekly draft is 1816 men the present registrations for the 20th leave a shortage qf 658 men to be found in the coming month. The Anzacs troops are now' taking a glorious part in the stirring deeds of the present great western offensive, and it is not necessary for me to remind every fit and eligible man in the Dominion of the urgent call that daily comes from his comrades and fellow citizens in France to step forward and fill the gaps in the ranks. We read that the Germans are wondering how great are the English reserves, because they know that the continuance of our offensive will depend on our reserve strength. Let the military manhood of this Dominion, by keeping up a steady flow of reinforcements, demonstrate to the enemy that our reserve force is sufficient •to continue the offensive until a definite victory is'achieved. It will bo a truly glorious achievement if wo can maintain our flow of recruits by voluntary enlistment, but maintained they must be, whether they he by the voluntary principle or by bringing into force the compulsory powers contained in ‘the Military Service Act. W. F. MASSEY, " * Chairman.