New Zealand’s Loyalty.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 235, 18 September 1922, Page 5

New Zealand’s Loyalty.

THE R.S.A. GIVES EMPHATIC SUPPORT. RECRUITING PROCEEDING IN WELLINGTON. Wellington, September 18. An emergency meeting of the Donijnion |ikecutive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association was held at noon to-day to consider the reported call for troops for the Near East. At the meeting the following resolution was carried:—“That, in the event of New Zealand contingents being called for by the Imperial Government at the present time, the N.Z. R.S.A. assures the Government of emphatic support in such action as may be necessary, believing that prompt action by every part of the Empire will conserve Imperial interests in the Near East and India, and will preserve the peace and integrity of the Empire.” Recruiting is proceeding at the barracks, and there were 180 by noon. IN NAPIER AND HASTINGS. MANY VOLUNTEER SERVICES. The chief topic in Napier this morning was the prospect of war in the Balkans, and more particularly the possibility of a New Zealand Division of troops being sent. The Defence Office in Napier had barely opened this morning when would-be volunteers commenced to make inquiries and offer their services. Not only were the inquiries and offers from Napier men, but also from tho country districts by telephone, and the prevailing anxiety amongst applicants was to escape the stigma of compulsion, or to be one if only a few men were sent. The Defence Office had, of course, no power to enrol men or take any action whatever and each applicant was so informed on presenting himself. The indications are that in the event of war there would be plenty of volunteers forthcoming. Tho news of a possible war in the Near East caused quite a wave of excitement in Hastings this morning, when the news from Europe was on everyone’s tongue and the streets were dotted with groups of people eagerly discussing the position. Quite a number of the young men of Hastings and several of maturer y«-ars, caught fire when they heard that rhe Dominions were called upon.to assist, and Sergeant-Major O’Leary, in the hours he was at the Defence Office this morning, received over a dozen names for enrolment ,in addition to the youths who stormed the Mayor with requests to accept their services. Sergeant-Major O’Leary himself says that he is anxious to join up. Press Association telegrams relating to men offering for military service have been received as follows:— Christchurch.—Between 9 and 12 o’clock about 50 applications, many from returned soldiers, we re received lor service in any contingent that may be sent to the Dardanelles. Nelson.—Up to noon to-day 150 applications for enlistment were received at the Defence office. Palmerston North.—Over a score of applicants applied at Central Command Headquarters for enrolment in any force to be sent overseas. , Wanganui.—Over 100 young men handed in their names to the Defence office this morning for acti e service. New Plymouth.—Thirty-sjven men, including a number of returned soldiers. handed in their names this morning at the Defence office as being ready for active service. The Waitara defence officer also received many inquiries. Gisborne.—Thirty-seven names for enlistment were handed in up to midday.