MILITARY SERVICE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17263, 2 September 1916, Page 9

MILITARY SERVICE.

NEW ACT IN FORCE PROCLAMATION TO FIRST DIVISION. 3000 APPLICATIONS IN CITY. That portion of the Military Service Act which has regard to tho enrolment of the first division of tho ExpeditionForce Reserve came into operation yesterday by way of proclamation. The portion of tho Act relating to tho second division will come into force today. Thereafter fourteen days will be allowed, that is, until Saturday, September 16, to all men of military age who havo not registered under tho National Registration Act, to become enrolled. About 3000 applications for enrolment certificates wero mado at the Christchurch Post Offico yesterday. From 9 a.m. thoro was n. steady demand, and tho arrangements worked smoothly. No difficulties arose, and if any caller needed advice as to filling up of the form, a postal official was available to assist. The only change from the original purposo was that the application forms were not sent by registered letter, as it had been decided that such a course was unnecessary. THE SECOND DIVISION. PROCLAMATION TO BE MADE TODAY. To-day the proclamation affecting the second division will bo made. Members of each reserve use-similar forms. POINTS OF. THE ACT. INFORMATION FOR RESERVISTS. Full ■ particulars havo already boon published concerning the enrolment, but there appears to bo some confusion on certain points, judging from inquiries made by uidividhals. For general information the following information ig published: The Reserve consists of men not less than twenty and under forty-six years of age. This constitutes “military age.” Alen between tho years mentioned who have failed to register or who had no opportunity to do so through not being resident in tho Dominion when the Natioha) Register was taken last year must now enrol within the period prescribed. The responsibility of failure to enrol will rest entirely upon the individual. Some may still be under the impression that forms will be seut out, as Was the case when the National Register was taken; hut that is not so. All information and enrolment forms will he supplied at post offices.' Enrolled should not apply at the Defence Office or at recruiting office. Tho official channel is through the post offices. Enlisting is separate from enrolment under the National Reserve. Sonic men havo enlisted who were not enrolled, and it is necessary to make, the point very clear that a man ot military age must enrol as stated. Men who enrolled under tho National Register and have since changed their place of address aro particularly warned that they must, on or before September 16, notify the authorities of the change of address and state present place of abode and residence. Changes of abode after enrolment should also be notified within fourteen days of making the change. Men who are not enrolled may bo gent straight-to camp and those who fail to notify a change of address may become liable on a charge of desertion. Any person found employing a reservist of military age, or one who <jomes under the heading of a. deserter, is liable to a severe penalty, including imprisonment. For the protection of reservists' certificates of enrolment will bo issued after receipt of application on form provided. ft should be. borne in mind that provision is made for dealing very severely with any person who. having in his,or lier possession any information concerning any. man of military age avoiding service, fails to disclose sUch information on a request from the Government, statistician or a constable or Defence officer.'