THE ELEVENTHS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1915, Page 4

THE ELEVENTHS.

VOLUNTEERS AND THE HOLIDAYS,

APPEAL BV PRIME MINISTER,

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night. To-night Mr. Massey issued the follow* ing appeal:—'! have learnod with some surprise that a number of our recruits who intended going into camp next week are withdrawing their names, with the object of having the holidays free, and again givng n tlier names afterwards. I have also been informed that recruiting had so improved during the last few days that had it not been for this unforeseen contingency, the Eleventh Reinforcements would have been up to full strength at due date. I ean quite understand the desire of our boys to be with their friends and relatives during this festive season, and I have no fault to find with the sentiment by which many of them are actuated, but in view of the seriousness of the position, and the' necessity for all men in the Reinforcements starting their training same time in order that the great reputation which New Zealand soldiers have acquired may be kept up, may I, under such circumstances, appeal to the registered, and even intending, recruits to adhere to their original intentions to go into camp before the holidays, and so keep their training system working at it lias worked for many months past—smoothly and satisfactorily? I know what I am asking for may be considered a sacrifice, but I am confident that tha loyalty and enthusiasm of young New Zealandcrs will be equal to the emergency which lias arisen. I ask our boys to remember their comrades who are celebrating the holiday season In the fighting line, where, along with other brave men and trained soldiers, they ar? doing their duty to the Empire, 'their country, and their fellow citizens. I ask them to remember how thorough training has enabled oor soldiers to distinguish themselves, and to do credit to (he land to which they belong. If they remember these facts and act accordingly; if they give up the fleeting pleaiure.i of a few days for the more lasting pleasure of having done the right thing at the right time, I am quite sure that in after life they will always look back with satisfaction to the Christmas holidays of 1015, spent by them ill Treuthani training camp."