EXTENSION OF LEAVE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1918, Page 2

EXTENSION OF LEAVE.

SURPLUS OF MEN IN CAMPS, (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Oct. 10. Defence Headquarters lias decided that one month's extension of leave shall he granted to all fit A men at present under orders to proceed to camp with the January, .February and March drafts. It is announced also that any man now under orders to proceed to camp with the November draft may have liis leave extended until the January draft. Application for this extension must be ma<fe by letter to the Group Commanders on or before October 2G. The changes that are bein? made do not affect the CI drafts.

These changes, which affect a large body of men, are not connected directly with the favorable turn of the war. The camps have contained surplus men, that is, men in training over and above the official strength of the reinforcement drafts, ever since the monthly quota was reduced to its present level. Prior to that reduction, there had been several large ballots, following the increase of the quota in April last, and the effect of these hio; ballots is still being felt. The September and October recruit drafts contained enough men for over three reinforcements at the present quota. The dropping of the- December recruit draft and the early closing of the January and February drafts were results of the surplus in the camps. But there promised still to be men in hand. The situation lias been further considered now in the light of the comparatively light casualties sustained by the New Zealand Division in the recent fighting, the probable reinforcement requirements for next year, and the shipping prospects. By putting back the unmobilised drafts, the recruiting authorities have in effect dropped another monthly draft. But it is explained officially -that what has been done "will not affect New Zealand's ability to send forward reinforcements in regular sequence next year, if the men are still required at the front. The obligations that have been undertaken' Will continue to be met fully and promptly.