THE EIGHTEENTHS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17198, 19 June 1916, Page 8

THE EIGHTEENTHS.

CHRISTCHURCH QUOTA NEARLY COMPLETE. The' Christchurch quota for the Eighteenth Reinforcements, due to leave for camp on June ‘2B, is practically complete. 149 infantry having been secured up to Saturday,''evening, leaving but live vacancies to fill the quota of 154. All other branches are complete, and ns there is over a week in which to secure the present infantry shortage, it is expected that a surplus will bo sent north. At ouo stage, 1(35 infantrymen had signed on for the Eighteenths, but last week s withdrawals to later reinforcements numbered sixteen. This question of meii delaying their departure, sometimes without any notification to the military authorities, is becoming acute, and is adding greatly to the work and difficulties of the officials. One instance quoted to a “ Lyttelton Times ” representative on Saturday was of a man who signed on for the Thirteenths, l>ut who has postponed his departure with each successive draft of (reinforcements. agreeing to go with each m turn, but failing to make good on the night of departure. Ho is supposed to go with the Eighteenths, but nothing definite has so far been heard from him. There are several instances of men who have delayed their departure, reinforcement by reinforcement, and although doubtless some of these men had substantial reasons, it is believed by the military authorities that if men were sworn in at the time of enlisting, these postponements would not be so frequent. Even when men turn up at the barracks and leave with the respective quota, it does not necessarily mean that they reach camp. It is understood that five men who left Christchurch with the Seventeenths failed to report at camp. Of course, before the actual swearing in of the men at camp, the military officials have no hold over the recruits." Swearing in when- a man enlisted would certainly be welcomed by recruiting officials.