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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 248, 23 November 1914, Page 6

There is every reason for misdoubting the truth of the Berlin boast that Germany has. some four million men preparing to supplement her armies in the field. It has been admitted by Count Bernstorff that German cadets were sent to Belgium two. months since,'and that the in farewelling them,. encouraged the -lads by telling tfiietti that God was with them. That, shrewd observer, ."an eye-witness with Headquarters Staff," reports- havr ing seen the cadets" in action; also third line reserves, whose grey hairs and failing sight had not purchased exemption.The Allies are. iu much better case. Strenuous and entßii»iastiC recruiting campaigns at Home have been attended with, a gratifying response, both'as to the number and. quality of the men signing up under the colours. England asked for another million, men, and there is no doubt but that her hopes will be realised. The oversea Dominions have no desire to shirk their part of the burden. New Zealand has done her part, and once the matter is" taken in hand seriously, it cannot be doubted but that the men required to keep 'our main Expeditionary Force up to its full fighting strength will be forthcoming. Australia has announced her intention of "sending all the men that are necessary, and more than were asked for," while Canada, whose loyalty has found expression; in the lavishly generous gifts of men, money, and guns,she lias made to the Imperial authorities, has decided to increase hex*. contribution of soldiers to 50,000. We.may view with a little sinking of the German entrenchments in France and Belgium, knowing well that their destruction and capture will involve protracted fighting and heavy sacrifice?, but that little shadow of pessimism is entirely dispelled by the Spring prospects of the Allies, when Lord ; Kitchener throws his new army across the Channel. To be added to that is the fact that the German superiority in the number of machine guns has to all appearances been overcome during the last couple of months. If Essen has been working overtime, the French and English., armament makers have not been idle.. • -