SECOND DIVISION BALLOT.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1917, Page 5

SECOND DIVISION BALLOT.

5000 DRAWN FROM CLASS A. The drawing of the first ballot in connection with Glass A of the Second Division of the Expeditionary Force Reserve was begun in Wellington on Monday by the Government Statistician (Mr. Malcolm Eraser), under the supervision of.Mr. S. E. McCarthy, S.M., and the Mayor of the city (Mr. J I> Luke C.M.G.). ' ' ' The total number of men included in Class A (married men without, children) is 15.202, and 5000 were to lie drawn in the ballot, which was expected to be I completed on Tuesday morning. The result will be announced in the Government Gazette next week, probably on Tuesday. Accretions from the First Division (men coming of age, etc.) will be added to the number of 1500. so that the Gazette notice will comprise fljOfl names. There will be 10,202 men left in Class A. sufficient, it is estimated, for two drafts. Those now being drawn will [be mobilised in March next.

EVERY CONFIDENCE IN THE /BALLOT. The President of the Second Division i-eague received the following telegraphic message from the Minister of Defence on Saturday afternoon:— "The Government Statistician will commence ballot of Class A of Second Division of Reserve on Monday, October 29, at 9 a.m., W.F.C.A. Buildings, and I shall be glad if you or a representative on your behalf will attend.—(Signed) J. Allen." To this Mr. Armstrong sent the following reply:— "Hon. Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence. "Sir, —I beg to acknowledge receipt of your telegram on Saturday canveving kind invitation to be present at' the ballot of the first class of the Second Division. In reply 1 may say that the League 'has every confidence in the system of balloting and the officer immediately controlling it, anil in view of this I do not consider it necessary for a representative of this organisation to be in attendance. With thanks for the courtesy extended to the League."