SECOND DIVISION MEN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 September 1917, Page 2

SECOND DIVISION MEN.

THE FIRST BALLOT. The classification of the Second Division of the Expeditionary Force Reserve had not yet been completed, stated the Minister for Defence (the Hon. Sir James Allen) to a "Times" representative yesterday. He had hoped that the classification would be finished in time for the first ballot of the Second Division, to be held in the second week in October, but it now appeared that it probably could not be held till the end of the month. The roll, added the Minister, would be printed as a New Zealand roll, not in distinct groups, as the numbers in the classes were too small to make it worth while. The first class would be finished in two ballots. In the Amendment Bill to be brought down shortly power would be taken to call up the balance of a class en bloc; and that also would be done in the ease of the 8000 or so men, just sufficient for one draft, remaining in the First Division. Some 64 "C2"—home service—men had been examined in Auckland, said Sir James Allen; and of these 15 passed Class A and IS CI. The' fifteen will go into camp after the usual interval, and the CI men will be drafted into camp for special training. He was carefully considering the pensions and allowances for the Second Division men and their dependents, and hoped to be able to put his proposals before Cabinet this week end and to bring down the bill next week. The allowances, of course, had to be considered along with the pensions, but only the latter would require fresh legislation.