ENLISTMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23080, 24 July 1940, Page 8

ENLISTMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND

59,644 AT CLOSE OF

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM

MINISTER REVIEWS

POSITION

IFrom Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, July 23.

The total number of enlistments for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force up to the close of the voluntary recruiting system yesterday was 59,644. This announcement was made in an interview to-night by the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), who said he thought all would agree that the results of the voluntary effort were most gratifying, as the figures demonstrated forcibly that men of rnm tary age in the Dominion were just as ready as their forbears to face their responsibilities and bear tneir share in the struggle for the preservation of freedom and independence. “During the last few weeks, the Minister said, “there has been a most satisfactory increase in registrations for service. Since June 22 no fewer than 13,130 men have enrolled for service and during the week which ended last Saturday 3087 registered. This was followed by a record day yesterday, when 1947 men were enrolled.” . x „ . Mr Jones said that at the moment the number of men awaiting medical examination was 5970, This figure was high, owing to the rush of recruits during the last 10 days. A total of 51,319 men had -been medically examined and of that number 38,402 had been passed as fit for service overseas. A total of 4080 had been classified as temporarily unfit, and 8837 as unfit for active service. Of the .total number of medically fit men, 24,445 had already been dispatched to camp, while 9086 were available for camp as soon as they were needed.. "We now have available, and estimated to become available on passing the medical tests, sufficient men to provide for the 4th and sth Reinforcements,” the Minister said, "and to cover any wastage which may occur during their training before dispatch overseas.” ■'