THE REINFORCEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1918, Page 2

THE REINFORCEMENTS.

TRANSPORTS DIVERTED TO AMERICA. (Our Special Corrcsopondcnt.) Wellington, Aluy 22. Class IJ reservists drawn in the April I ballot are now being sot down, -when 'passed fit, for mobilisation in September, The examination of the April recruits has not been completed, and the examination of the May recruits, whose names are contained in the fiazettc published to-day, will not begin until next week. The Minister for Defence stated again to-day that the rate of reinforcement would be reduced after August, the Imperial Government's request for increased reinforcements having applied to a period of five months only. It is clear, therefore, that the ballotted B men will fill the October and probably the November and December drafts for camp. The Government, in compliance with the request of the Imperial authorities, is sending increased reinforcements to the full extent of the available shipping. But the number is not very large. The Minister for Defence was talcing a rather optimistic view of the prospects when he said that by the end of August the number of men despatched would not bo so far short of the number planned last month. . The fact is that the great effort America is now making is limiting severely New Zealand's effort. Ships that under other conditions would have carried .New Zealanders to the war area are moving Americans instead. The indications are that no Class C reservists will, be taken into camp this year except as volunteers. This is not an official prediction but it is in line with the present recruting movements.