THE SECOND DIVISION.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1917, Page 4

THE SECOND DIVISION.

WILL LAST TWELVE MONTHS REINFORCEMENTS MUST' BE KEPT UP. VOLUNTARY RECRUITING SHOULD BE STOPPED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Sir James Allen stated to-day that tat remaining reserves of the First Division, together with the combing out which must take place before the Second Division is called upon,.by ballot, should last for four or five taonths yet. This estimate depends upon the number of unfit men among those that remain."! think, however, there will be no necessity to call upon the Secoid Division In September. I should say it would be more likely October or November. There are about 120,000 men in the Second Division, and even if we, allow 10,000 for selection of recruits for each draft, that would mean twelve months' supply." Sir James Allen declared that the Dominion was in honor bound to keep up its reinforcements to their present strength. '"New Zealand has not done as much in proportion as Britain or FTance, and people who make comparisons between us and Australia and Canada are, to my mind, only seeking to escape instead of trying to do their duty We have been informed by the best authorities at Home that the present percentage of reinforcements is absolutely necessary to keep the New Zealand division up to strength and no more.

"There is a question which we way have to consider," he added,) "that is, whether it is wise to continue the district system when we reach the Second Division, or whether it would not be better to have the ballot from one roll embracing the whole Dominion. Every district would stand the same chance. The matter has to be considered."

They were not at present stopping voluntary enlistment in the Second Division, "but my own opinion," said' Sir James Allen, "is that voluntary recruiting should be stopped altogether."