INFANTRYMEN WANTED.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17079, 31 January 1916, Page 6

INFANTRYMEN WANTED.

We do not profess to thoroughly understand the weekly recruiting reports supplied by the local Defence authorities, but they appear to supply evidence that men for the infantry are coming forward too slowly. Comparing last week's numbers available for the next quota with those given at the end of tho previous week, we find that tho increase is very discouraging. The figures for the Nelson group are not yet to hand, but those for the other groups in the Canterbury military district indicate the week's "progress in respect of infantry to have been as under:

It is possible that these figures do not quite represent the situation. For instance, in Group 9, Christchurch, the number "fit and available for next quota " in the infantry class was given on January 21 as 25, with 41 awaiting examination. Friday's figures show oight rejections during the week, and yet the number " lit and available" iiad increased by only nine. Speculation on the discrepancy leads to the suggestion that in addition to those definitely rejected there must bo a fair number of temporarily nnfit men and that in good time most of them will be added to the " fit and available." However that may be, it seems plain that tho authorities are having some difficulty in securing men prepared to join the infantry, and wo suggest to those volunteers who comprise surpluses in other arms that they should very seriously consider the duty of transferring to where they aire urgently needed.'

Jan. 21. Jnn.2G. Inc Group 9 Group 10 Group 11 Group 11a . Group 12 . 25 ;n . 30 50 . as m 18 27 . 29 *— •Not available. 9 20 <)