THE CALL FOR MEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1916, Page 4

THE CALL FOR MEN.

HOLIDAYS AFFECT BECRUITING. INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER OF DEFENCE. Recruiting matters were touched on by the Hon .1. Allen (Minister of Defence) in tile course of an' interview with <i Daily News representative ,>i Tuesday. Speaking of the shortage " • men, Mr. Allen said that the Fifteenth Reinforcements were now fairly well up to strength, though some districts had failed to provide their full quotas. There was a shortage for • the Sixteehth Reinforcements, which go into camp noxt week, but the experience of Cliri. tmas, when the holidays had famed a faliing-off in recruiting, was being repeated by the Easter holidays, and it was felt that when conditions again became normal the required number men would come forward. The pre?et:*> system of sending large reinforcements away every four weeks hart been care fully arrived at, and the War Office was satisfied that the nnmbers now he. ing sent youhl meet requirements. Mr. Allen said the Government \vn < satisfied that the Recruiting Board's scliepi# would produce the men if it was properly put into operation, and as Christ* church and Diinedin and seme parts of Taranaki and Auckland wore working the scheme now, the mobilisation of tho Sixteenths would show what measure of success had been readied.

In regard to the question of compulsion, Mr. Allen said tl'te measure to be brought before Parliament next session Imd not yet beuii reviewed by P»liinc., and at present ho could say nothini about it.