HELPING THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1915, Page 4

HELPING THE EMPIRE.

NEW ZEALAND'S PART. 28,000 MEN SENT. 7U5 CASUALTIES. By Telegraph.—'PteM AitooatioS. * ; Wellington, Last Night. In the House of Representatives this evening Hon. J. Allen said he had promUcd to make a statement regarding recruiting. The total number of men sent to the front was 28,000, and at an eurly date that number would be increased to 38,000. One hundred and eighty-stvon nurses had been Bent, in addition to a number who had gone to England on their own account. Medical officers and hoipital staff totalled 11130, and 20 postal units had been despatched. The original strcngtli of the main force was about 7800, and when two new battalions are added its strength wi'H be 14,31*4. The casualties to date, he regretted to say, amounted to 7140, of whom 2000 will return to New Zealand. All must realise the task was great to keep up l Enforcements, but be was tonAdent tlio country would not shirk the responsibilities. Any shortage in men at present was more apparent than real. They followed a certain policy ill 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 be 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 70,000; 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 45 years, and reduve tli« standard height from sft 4in to sft 2in, With these modifications he • thought they would be able to say "Yes" to, the request made by the Army Council. He a6ked members of 'Parliament to assist recruiting on their return to their homes. He further proposed to assist recruiting by sending rclnforcoments every month, instead of every two months, for which transport arrangements had been made. The requests of the Army Council put these demands upon 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 done bj the will of the people, but if the voluntary system failed, the National Cabinet would not hesitate to take a drastic step towards securing compulsion. The Prime Minister moved a motion recognising the patriotism of Messrs. Seddon and Stewart in offering their services for the .front. The motion was seconded by Sir J. G. Ward, and supported by Sir J. Carroll, and earried on the voices. The Prime Minister moved a resolution congratulating the New Zealand' r troops upon their gallantry and bravery and the success of their operations at the Dardanelles. He read cables frW the King, expressing admiration of the work done by our men. Now the call had come for more men be hoped each " ' member of Parliament would do his best to aid in the work of recruiting. Sir Joseph Ward seconded the motion, which Mr. Wilford supported, and it was carried while the House rose and sang "God Save the King." The iPrime Minister outlined the details of tho system of national registration, and he believed the respond would be sufficient for all requirements.