DRAWN IN THE BALLOT

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1917, Page 8

DRAWN IN THE BALLOT

| BUT WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN. (i 1 1' yin Our Own Correspondent.) 'Wellington, Mnv 21. A cwtilin amount of reorganisation Iwm boon .proceedi 11«» lately in the recruiting branch of the Defence Department, known officially as A.fi.'2. This branch has grown very rapidly during tiic last six months to meet the needs irouted !iy the operation of the Military Service Act, and in many respects it lifcs rent-lied a high degree of efficiency. But there have been weak points, to which attention has been directed 'by complaints from various quarters. It appeals, for example, that the branch , has not been as successful as the Defence authorities 'Would like it to be in getting- into touch with men who have been drawn in the ballots, hut whose present whereabouts arc unknown. The Kvstem is Tbeing tightened up with the object) of accounting definitely for every man drawn in the ballots. The authorities hope to he in a position very soon now to issue returns allowing just how many actual recruits the ballots have produced, and how the balance of the men drawn have been dealt with.

SHORTAGE OF MEN. This information has not been available up to the present time. AVhat is known is that although over 3,j.000 first division men have been drawn in seven ballots, the shortage of men in training that existed when the compulsory system came into operation has not been extinguished. This does not mean that there is any very large number of men unaccounted for. The medical rejections and the exemptions and suspensions granted by the Military Service. Boards have been greater than was originally expected. But the position obviously is not satisfactory, since it involves sending away drafts with k-s3 than their full period of training in order to maintain the supply of reinforcements at full strength in unbroken rotation, and the authorities wish to clear up the position finally. IMPORTANT MATTERS TO BE FACED

When Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward reach %vr Zealand in the not very distant- future they will find some important matters a waiting tlioir attention. There aro definite indications that in the absence of the party leaders the Ministers are unable or unwilling to reach decisions on some of the matters that have been pressed upon their attention of late. Very little progress •ias been made, as far as can he gathered, with the big questions of organisation anil economy referred to the National Efficiency Board, although that body lias" made, important recommendations. There is stili tims for a great deal to be done before the openiug of the session. If such matters as the TumibSr of racing permits, the provision of farm labor, the effective utilisation of home service men, the promotion of public and private economy have not been handled 'by the Government when Parliament meets, the National Government is bound to come under a very heavy fire of criticism. The blame for delay, it may be said, does not rest with the Efficiency Board.