LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8274, 20 October 1915, Page 5

LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

RECRUITING AND THE NATIONAL REGISTER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 13The recruiting appeal issued by the Prime Minister to-day is another indication that the problem of finding the men required for the Expeditionary Forces is assuming a new phase. A week ago there appeared .bo be,, an | actual shortage, on the ■ November requirements, owing to the hastening of the departure of reinforcements and the formation of a Special Reserve, but the good response secured in Wellington and Auckland has made the position fairly secure. No fewer than 329 men enlisted in Wellington last week, and if the South Island had done anything like as well proportionately the problem would be solved already. The Defence authorities realise, -nevertheless, that the recruiting difficulty may become acute within the next few months, and they arc considering schemes for bringing the young men up to the mark. Both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence t>e prepared to take the platform actively if necessary, and, of course, they can count upon the assistance of the other members of the Ministry and of the members of Parliament generally. They do not wish to move until the National Register is complete and the position with relation' to tho Dominion's available supply of men is made clear. What use- does the Government intend to mako of the National Register ? The Ministers, it may be noticed, havo not given an answer to that question. The man who states on his registration form that he is willing to become a member of the forces is not committing himself in any legal way, and the National Registration Act does not appeal" to contemplate any further step. The Prime -Ministerhas said that he 1 believes the men will come forward through the ordinary channels when tho case has been put squarely before them and they have thought out their answers to the printed questions. But if they do not? ' Your correspondent has pressed inquiries on this point in several responsible quarters, and has gathered an impression that the Ministers themselves are keeping open minds. They want to have detailed information nt their disposal. Then, if the men fail to com p. forward as fast as they are required, a. further step can be considered. There doos not appear to be any reason why the Defence Minister should not communicate directly, through the post or otherwise, with men who have stated in their registration forms their willingness to (serve. But thoso men cannot be summoned to the colours in nny mandatory form, for service abroad, under the powers that the. Government possesses at the present time.