OFFERS TO SERVE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 81, 3 October 1938, Page 5

OFFERS TO SERVE

STIMULUS TO RECRUITING

The interest taken in the international crisis and the possibility of the Empire again being involved in war has been reflected in the exceptionally large number of offers for special service, received at. Army Headquarters, Wellington, and also at the Central District headquarters during the past few days. With the more reassuring news from Europe, j the volume of these offers diminished, but the fact that the public are by no means convinced that the crisis has j passed is shown by the many offers j still being received. Actually, the defence authorities are not carrying out registration for special service and will not do so unless emergency conditions' render the step necessary; they are, however, recording the names of all persons offering themselves for special service so that they may be called upon if they are needed. The strength of the territorial force is now approaching the peace-time establishment. Nevertheless, it is considered essential that recruiting should continue and be accelerated. The defence authorities emphasise that although the conditions in Europe have improved for the moment, the ' necessity for preparedness is still evident. As many men as are prepared to offer themselves will be accepted for the ordinary term of three years' training, the object of the defence authorities being to build up the strength of the territorial forces to the fullest degree. It was stated this morning that with the improvement of conditions in Europe it should now be possible to obtain delivery of a large quantity of new material on order from England but temporarily held up owing to the crisis. In addition to offers of service m the land defence forces, many offers of service with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve have been received. The R.N.V.R. authorities, in common with the military authorities, are not registering men for special service, but will be glad to receive offers of enlistment for the ordinary training period. As recruits are normally enlisted once a month, inquirers are being asked to return to the Wellington office at a-later date.