SECOND ECHELON

Evening Star, Issue 23451, 16 December 1939, Page 10

SECOND ECHELON

APPEAL FOR ENLISTMENT NO REJECTION FOR DENTAL DEFECTS ' [Peb United Peess Association.] WELLINGTON, December 15. An appeal for recruits to bring the second echelon of the Special Military Force up to full strength and provide a nucleus for the third echelon, was made by the Minister of Defence (Mr Jones) in a statement to-night. Enlistments will be on the same conditions as those for the first echelon. “ The first echelon has completed its preliminary training,” said Mr Jones, “ and will shortly leave for advanced training overseas. The mobilisation camps will then be available for the training of the second echelon. Numbers of men who have already enlisted and have been passed medically fit, are waiting to enter camp with the second echelon, but more are required to make up the full strength and provide a nucleus for the third echelon. Those prepared to offer their services should do so as soon as possible. Officers for the second echelon have been training since November 8, and non-commissioned officers are also in training. Their number will bo supplemented from later enlistments. “ Some who volunteered for the first echelon were rejected on account of minor dental defects, but there will be no further rejections on this ground as all such troubles, will be rectified by the army dental officers in camp. On the day recruiting opened for the first echelon volunteers exceeded the total number required. . Volunteers for the second echelon may have difficulty in beating this record, but they can equal it. Service with the forces involves sacrifice, but the Government has always believed that the necessary sacrifice would be made when the need was known. The men on final leave have obeyed the call of duty, and the, country honours them. I am confident their fellowmen will not falter now in the national effort to maintain and guarantee the safety of New Zealand and the British Commonwealth. “I have arranged for the continuation of the Central Recruiting Committee and the following officers will carry out a campaign with myself as chairman: —Colonel O. H. Mead, D. 5.0., adjutant-general; Mr F. B. Dyer, of the Army Headquarters; Major R. ,E. Murray, Army Publicity, Officer; Major E. H. Whiting, of the Central Military District; Mr J. T. Paul, Director of Publicity. “ I cordially welcome the assistance of territorial associations, local bodies, representatives of other organisations, and citizens generally to ensure success in this appeal,” concluded Mr Jones.