THE FIFTEENTHS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1916, Page 5

THE FIFTEENTHS.

SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF INFANT^* By Telegraph.—Press Association. , Wellington, Last Night; The shortage in the 15th Reinforce. ments which have been mobilised tfek week has been increased by the arrival of Southern drafts below their proper strength. Canterbury and Otago, flke Auckland and Wellington, have failed <to find 'their full quotas, and the net ehojjii\gt appears likely to reach a total of nearly 500 men. The present shortages in infantry arc approximately, as f«l----lows: Auckland 74, Wellington 255,.C*Titerbury 84, Otago 58—total 471. : lata total is expected to bo increased ty about 16 when the West Coast section 1 <tf the Canterbury draft arrives to-mon*W. . The chief factor in producing the Canterbury shortage was the failure of one group (Christchurcfi City iM Suburbs) to provide its quota. Chrfotchurch sent in its infantry 65 men «hi)rt. The Otago draft went into camp to-day, and was found to lack 58 men in the infantry section. All other branches Wire full. In the case, of both. Cajnterhary and Otago, the Defence headquarters WW asked the military districts to make lift their shortages by Friday next,, ' V