WELLINGTON TOPICS

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1918, Page 8

WELLINGTON TOPICS

POSTPONEMENT OF REINFORCEMENTS. VESSELS TAKE PRODUCE INSTEAD. By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent. Wellington, Last Night. The announcement that the departure of the 44th and 45th Reinforcements has been postponed on account of the influenza outbreak is being read by members of the House in the light of the war situation. The Minister for Defence, in making the statement, was careful to explain that he did not want the public to think the postponement was due to the war being at an end, or that the despatch of reinforcements had ceased. Nobody could tell definitely how long Germany could hold out, but, he added that the transports that were to have taken the two reinforcements were going to be sent away with full cargoes, and the significance of this statement cannot escape notice. New Zealand's supply of shipping is strictly limited, and if two vessels that were intended to take troops go away with wool and meat instead, the immediate result is to set back all reinforcements. It appears that the senior draft now in camp cannot reach the firing line before April next at least, and members are asking if it is going to be worth while to send the men away at all under the changed conditions. RELEASE OP MEN FROM CAMP. The Minister for Defence was asked tn the House to-day if he would arrange for She release from the camps of men urgently required in essential industries, His replies indicated the change in the situation as far as the reinforcements are concerned. He said he would be glad to release shearers and other farm workers who were urgently required. Where there were urgent business reasons he would do his best to let men out, but ho could not give a definite promise that day. "The whole matter is under consideration now," added the Minister, "and I hope that, before long, we will be able to let all the men out." (Hear, hear.) Another announcement that was made to-day is that a draft of Rarotongan recruits, just arrived from the islands, is to be sent back by the first available steamer. The men are not to go t« Narrow Neck camp, on account of the influenza, and will be held in Wellington until shipping accommodation is available.—(Delayed in transmission.)