SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10109, 1 June 1917, Page 5

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

INFORMATION WANTED AISOUT

OUR MAN POWER

v The Committee-.. t>f the ‘Wellington Second Division Leagud met last evening MrR. A. Armstrong, president, ‘wa s in the chair. The. secretary reported that the Minister for Defence- had been away from Wellington since the ei/oaguc sent forward the resolutions published last week, but doubtless a reply would be received shortly. it was decided to ask the Employers’ Federation and the Trades Council to support the League, in its request for a pre-ballot medical examination. Mr A. L. Monteith moved the following resolution : “That in view of the uneasiness of the public mind, created by tho fact that no statement has been published by the authorities showing the number of men secured for active service under tho system of compulsion, and the total number secured under both systems to date, the league respect - fully asks for information on tho following points: 1. What number of men has tho Government promised the Imperial authorities on behalf of New 'Zealand? (a). The strength of main bodies to be maintained in all fields. , (1>) The number of men" for each reinforcement i 2. Is .any limit to be 1 placed on the total number of men to' be sent from New Zealand? 3. What i‘j the number-.of men drawn iu tho ballots up to the-, Twenty-ninth Reinforcements? J (a) The total number jof balloted men'reported in edmp. : (b) Total number -of voluntary rcorjiits'reported in camp since the commencement of tho! balloting. (c) The total number'of men classed • shodioally unlit. ■ (d),, The total number classed as lit for homo service only. (t>)- Tho total number exempted ns ‘ being connected with essential industries. (f) The total number of clergy, lay-preachers, .and conscientious objectors exempted. ■ fg' The total n timber who have received exemption on grounds other than those mentioned . above. Ill) Tho total number of men Who have been passed as tit, but have not reported in camp. (i) Tho total number of men who Imre failed to respond in any way to notification. 4. What steps have been taken by the authorities to complete the register of Reservists by .insisting on inclusion of those who have failed to register,' and those who have become of military age since tho original compilation. 5. How many defaulters have been , traced and punished by the authorities?

In proposing the resolution Mr Montcitli said that the matters referred to were of vital importance to all Reservists, and it was the duty of the committee to endeavour to clear up a number of matters that were causing grave, uneasiness to a large proportion of the community. There was undoubtedly a general feeling of doubt as to the impartial administration of the Act that should be removed, and that could only bo done by the authorities taking the public into their confidence as far as possible. ll*' thought That, as members of the Second Division, who would shortly be called upon to make many sacrifices, they had 'a. right to know what the exact position was at the present time, and it was with the idea of removing a great deal of doubt and anxiety that ho brought forward the resolution. ill diher a number of oilier members had supported the motion it was carried, with instructions to the secretary to forward it to the Minister for Defence.