PRO PATRIA.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2234, 21 September 1922, Page 5

PRO PATRIA.

3500 ENLISTMENTS.

IN CENTRAL COMMAND DISTRICT

The rush of men to enlist for service goes on apace. Latest returns from other towns in the Central military command received at headquarters in Palmerston North yesterday showed that 201 officers, 3281 other ranks, and 11 nurses had signified their willingness to serve. Of this Palmerston North’s quota was 8 officers and 20G other ranks. During (lie afternoon, there were further enrolments in Palmeston North, so that the number that has been enrolled in the whole district, which includes New Plymouth, Wang' n ”ui, Napier and Wellington, must lie considerably over 3500. A ready response has come from young men who were debarred by their youth from service in the Great War. Ex-service men, who form the bulk of the volunteers, all branches of the service are represented.

ENLISTMENT AND THE MC^VES,

(Contributed.)

While standing at tiie door of the Palmerston North recruiting office in the sunshine yesterday afternoon, one had much opportunity to reflect upon the various causes which prompted each of the smart young lads to walk admission to the new roll of honour, in and make his earnest demand for All were in their best raiment and well groomed, as for admission to the favour of a sweetheart. There can be no doubt that loyalty and patriotism came first, witli the love of adventure close on its heels. Just a few, though of good appearance, were down on their luck, out of a job, and glad of something, anything to keep hunger and the other pangs of idleness from biting their vitals. One per cent, or more had the bitterness of repentance from some folly written across their faces, with the hope of a means of atonement at hand to lend light to their eyes. A few, happily very few, showed the signs of domestic unhappiness, and the desire thus to end it, perhaps for ever. Whatever the motive, the class of men is perhaps even better than that unending stream of 1914-15-16, which so many of us saw with sad hearts. That came with flags and the clarion call of the trumpet to make of it a dramatic procedure. This Is a procession of cheerful silence, like the queue at a musical c< meay, each anxious to maintain his place of preference in the line. May our prediction come true, that these brave chaps will never be needed, and that the positions they occupy will not be filled by others while they are well and willing. A CHURCHMAN’S VIEW. FIRM ATTITUDE MAY AVERT WAR. fPer Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. “There is very little to be said by an outsider in regard to the present situation,” said Archbishop Julius this morning in response to the invitation to comment on the Near East situation. “My own opinion is that the Turks, elated by their recent success, will endeavour to recover as much of their pre-war position as they can, and that they would rely very much upon unrest in India and the attitude of the Mohammedian population to keep the Britisn Empire from opposing them if it grew. Britain and her Allies make it quite clear that they are prepared to act in concert and uphold the Treaty. The Turks, in my opinion, will back down on that account. I am thankful for the ready response made by New Zealand to the British appeal. We do not want action of a provocative kind, and are bound to do our utmost to avoid a war which may assume proportions of which we little dream, and a firm and steady attitude is more than likely to avert any chance of war. I should be glad if the clergy throughout New Zealand under the direction of their bishops, would renew such prayers for Divine guidance, and the promotion of neace and goodwill as may be found suitable.” 10,000 DOMINION VOLUNTEERS, APPLICATIONS POURING IN. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Minister of Defence announced to the House to-night that the number of persons who have offered their services in the event of a contingent being sent from New Zealand amounts to about 10,000. He gave details, completed to this morning, showing: Officers, 514; nurses, 148; other ranks, 7763; total, 8405. OTHER CENTRES. The total enlistments In Dunedin up to closing time last night were 669. Yesterday’s figures were 231. and of this number 30 were returned soldiers. Of the total enlistments, 35 are officers and 63 4 other ranks. In addition two nurses and two V.A.D’s. have handed in their names. The enlistments at Wanganui yesterday numbered 50, making a total of over 400. A good portion of the enlistments have come by telegrams and others from all over the country. At Whakatane, up till noon yesterday, 4 5 recruits had handed in their names to the local Defence officer. Napier’s’ enlistments to date total 163. The Defence authorities in Wellington have commenced on the registration of the third thousand of volunteers for the Near East. Enrolments for active service continue to pour in at Christchurch. At noon yesterday the total enlistments numbered 1250.