SECOND ECHELON

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20989, 16 December 1939, Page 6

SECOND ECHELON

APPEAL FOR RECRUITS NUMBER STILL REQUIRED EARLY RESPONSE NECESSARY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday An appeal lor recruits to bring the second echelon of the Special Force up to full strength and provide a nucleus for the third echelon was made by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, tonight. Enlistments will be on the same conditions as those for the first echelon. “The first echelon has completed its preliminary training,” said Mr Jones, “and will shortly leave foi advanced training overseas. The mobilisation camps will then be available for the training of the second echelon. Numbers of men who have already enlisted and been passed medically fit are waiting to enter camp with the second echelon, but more are required to make up the full strength and provide) a nucleus for the third echelon. Those prepared to offer their services should do so as soon as possible. Officers 111 Training "Officers for the second echelon have been training since November 8. Non-commissioned officers are also in training. Their number will be supplemented from later enlistments. “Some who volunteered for the first echelon were rejected on account of minor dental delects. There will be no further rejections on this ground, as all such troubles will be rectified by Army dental officers in camp. • “On the day recruiting opened for the first echelon,” the Minister continued, “the volunteers exceeded tne total number required. Volunteers for the second echelon may have difficulty in beating this record, but they can equal it. Service with the forces involves sacrifice, but the Government has always believed the necessary sacrifice would be made when the need was known. “The men on final leave have obeyed the call of duty, and the country honours them. I am confident their fellowmen will not falter now In the national effort to maintain the guarantee of safety of New Zealand and the British Commonwealth. Central Recruiting Committee “I have arranged for a continuation of the Central Recruiting Committee, and the following officers will carry out a campaign, with myself as chairman;—Colonel O. H. Mead, D. 5.0., Adjutant-General; Mr F. B. Dwyer, of Army Headquarters; Major R. E. Murray, Army publicity officer; Major E. H. Whiting, of the Central Military District; Mr J. T. Paul, Director of Publicity. I cordially welcome the assistance of territorial associations, local bodies, representatives of other organisations, and citizens generally to ensure the success of this appeal.”