REINFORCEMENT DRAFTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16363, 7 November 1918, Page 6

REINFORCEMENT DRAFTS.

DEPARTURE POSTPONED. (SPECIAL TO "THE TRESS.") WELLINGTON, November 6. The announcement that the departure of tho 44th Reinforcements and the 45th Reinforcements has bocn postponed on account of the influenza outbreak is being read by members of the House in tho light of the war situation. Tho Minister of Defence, in making tlip statement, was careful to explain that he did not want the public to think the postponement meant that tho war was at an ond, or that the dispatch of reinforcements had ceased. Nobody could tell definitely how long Germany could hold out-. He added that the transports that were to have taken tho troops were going to be sent away with full cargoes, and the significance of this statement cannoE escape notice. . New Zealand's supply of ships is strictly limitod, 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 sonior draft now in camp cannot reach the firing line before April next at earliest, and members are asking if it is going to be worth while to send the men away at all under the changed conditions. The Minister of Defence was asked in the House to-day if he would arrange for tho from the camps of men urgently required in essential industries. His reply indicated the change in the situation as far as reinforcements are concerned. He said that ho would be glad to lelease shearers and other farm workers who wore urgently required. Where there were urgent business reasons he would do his best to let men out, but he could not givo a definite promise that jiay. The whole matter was under consideration now," added the Minister, "and I hope wo will bo able to let all the men out." (Hear, hear.) Another announcement made to-day is that the draft of Raratongan recruits just arrived from the Islands is to be sent back by tho first available steamer. The men are not to go to Narrow Neck Camp, on account of tho influenza, and will be held in Wellington until shipping accommodaton is available.