RECRUITING IN SOUTH ISLAND

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22805, 2 September 1939, Page 13

RECRUITING IN SOUTH ISLAND

PEACE ESTABLISHMENT REACHED TERRITORIAL ARMY AND NATIONAL' RESERVE An increase of about 600 in the recruiting of officers and men brail units of the military forces in the South Island was recorded for the month of August, according to information supplied to “The Press” yesterday by Colonel P. H. Bell, Officer Commanding the Southern Military District. At the end of July the total number of officers and men in the district was 5165. The total at the end of August was 5754, and recruiting continues at a satisfactory rate. “Every unit in the Territorial Army in the Southern Military District is now up to peace establishment. Several units are above their establishment, and recruiting is very active in all areas,” said Colonel BelL According to. the returns from all sections of the- district , up to the end of August, the Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast Regiment is 60 below establishment, but 50 recruits for this regiment are awaiting medical examination. The Southland Regiment is also slightly below the required number, but the opening of a new centre, where' there are already 20 on the waiting list, will bring the unit up to peace establishment. The shortage of personnel for the Southern Depot of the Corps of Signals had caused some concern a month ago, but this unit had now reached its establishment, said Colonel Bell. There has been a big demand for enrolment forms for the National Military Reserve during the week, and by 9 a.m. yesterday the total number of enrolments had increased from 2319 last Monday to 2631—an increase of 312. Of these volunteers 2144 were from Christchurch, and 487 from Timaru. The greatest response to the appeal for volunteers comes from returned soldiers and former regular soldiers. The number of recruits in Class II of the Reserve at- Christchurch is now 1092, having increased by 115 during the week.