THE CALL FOR MEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1916, Page 2

THE CALL FOR MEN.

THE GROSS SHORTAGE IN 15THS. AND 16THS. The Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey), chairman of the Recruiting Board, has handed out the following statement on the position of recruiting:— The Defence Department advises that the position with respect to the infantry quotas for the lfith and all previous reinforcements for the several military districts of the Dominion (the figures by groups being not yet available), now that mobilisation has taken place and the men have proceeded to camp, is as follows: AUCKLAND MILITARY DISTRICT. Shortage on 16th 28 Shortage on 15th ; 3 Medical rejects in camp ~2 5 Total shortage at date -.<■ 36 WELLINGTON MILITARY DISTRICT. Shortage on 16th 26 , Shortage on 15th 144 Medical rejects in camp ... 12 Total shortage at date .. 182 CANTERBURY MILITARY DISTRICT. Shortage on 16th 37 Shortage on 15th 77 Medical rejects at camp ...- 3 Total shortagTat date ..117 OTAGO MILITARY DISTRICT. Surplus on 16th .... 72 Shortage on 15th 42 Medical rejects in camp .. 1 Total surplus at date .. 29 Total shortage for Dominion at date, Saturday, May 6, 308. ■ All other arms of the service are complete. It will be seen from the above figures (continues the statement) that enlistment for the 16th Reinforcements have been most satisfactory, the Dominion shortage, not taking into account the men who were medically rejected on arrival in camp, being only 19. It is expected that the Auckland district will send forward sufficient men this week to complete its quota to date; and a marked improvement may be looked for in Wellington now that steps are being taken to put the board's scheme into operation. At the present time Wellington is daily sending forward men to make good its shortage. Present advices indicate that both Otago and Auckland have the 17th Reinforcements well in hand and nearly complete.