THE BALLOT

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 11 May 1917, Page 4

THE BALLOT

SMALL NET RESULTS

THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE QUESTIONED.

WELLINGTON, April 10

Starting with the plan of calling up three men from the ballot to secure one fit man to enter camp, the Government Statistician had, at the direction of the military authorities, to adopt a ono-to-five proportion for his last draw. This indicates a very heavy proportion of unfit men, or extensive exemptions, though the proceedings of the Military Service Board would not suggest the latter

explanation. The question was put to Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence, and the explanation made by the Minister indicates that the remainder of the First Division is hardly likely to last out for many months. "Where the ballots have been small for any particular district," explained Sir James Allen, "f'he voluntary recruiting has been heavy. Voluntary recruits are generally fit men, the experience being- that there are comparatively few medical rejects among them. Thus we are piling up the medically unfits in the First Division roll, and it needs a larger selection to secure the necessary number of fit men from the ballot. The medical standard has been stiffened, resulting an increased number of unfits. The proportion may not be five to one for the next ballot, but at present it is impossible to say."