CALL FOR MORE MEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 12 January 1940, Page 6

CALL FOR MORE MEN

APPEAL BY MINISTER OF DEFENCE RECRUITING RALLY AT WELLINGTON STEADY MARCH OF VOLUNTEERS [United Press Association] WELLINGTON, This Day. An appeal for more and still more recruits for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force was made by the Minister of Defence, the Hon F. Jones, yesterday at the recruiting rally in the Wellington Town Hall. “I confidently make an earnest appeal,” the Minister said, “for recruits from every walk of life so that our Second Expeditionary Force will never lack full strength, backed by the unity of all the people. ’ The rallies being held in Wellington and other efforts on the part of citizens not only encouraged recruiting, but also showed the unity and determination of New Zealand people to play their part effiectively in the war against Nazi German tyranny and aggression, the Minister said. “As Minister of Defence,” he added, “I wish to express my warmest appreciation of how much representative organisations have done already in securing recruits for the Second Expeditionary Force, and I desire also particularly to congratulate the committee which has worked so hard in the same cause.” He realised the difficulties committees had had to face in working while the holidays were on, and it was very gratifying to him to learn that committees operating in different parts of New Zealand were obtaining the recruits required for the Second Echelon.

The Minister paid a tribute to the work of the Returned Soldiers’ Association branches throughout the Dominion. He had been bombarded by returned soldiers who wanted to go overseas. Many were too old, but they still wanted to go, declaring that they were as fit to fight as ever. Some men who had served in the last war were going overseas again, and he felt sure they would do as good service now as in the past. He expressed his own and the Government’s appreciation of the stimulus to recruiting given by returned men. RESPONSE SATISFACTORY So far the response to the call for young men to serve their country, either in their own land or overseas as soldiers of the great armies of the British Commonwealth of Nations had been highly satisfactory. The First Echelon had been seen by the people after their training period, and recruiting for the Second Echelon was making good progress, particularly in the northern and central military districts. He had received word that the northern district had more than filled its quota and the central district was in sight of its mark.

“It is certain that by the end of this week all the requirements of the Second Echelon will have been met,” said Mr Jones. “There is still a shortage of recruits in the South Island, but I feel sure that the men in the southern districts also will rally to the colours. We want to maintain a steady march of volunteers not only for the Second and Third Echelons, but for the subsequent reinforcements till New Zealand has played its full part in defence of liberty and justice. “Some people criticised me for not going on with recruiting when the First Echelon went into camp, but there were difficulties. We did not know .if the troops were going overseas or where they were going, but as soon as we were advised by the Home Government that they vfere required overseas then we went ahead.”

Emphasising the need for recruiting to proceed to provide men for the Third Echelon, the Minister said he would like to be in a position to say a month hence that the number of men required for the Third Echelon had been secured.

“Those who saw the parade of the First Echelon of teh New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Wellington last week will agree with me that it is the duty of everyone to support that fine body of men, all eager and willing to give of their best for their country and their race,” said the Minister. TRIBUTE TO LEADER “Then the multitude of listeners all over New Zealand who heard the Commander of our Expeditionary Force, Major-General Freyberg will feel, as the Government and I feel, that the soldiers of the Dominion are fortunate in having him as their leader. He is the right man in the right place, and his military achievements as well as his qualities as a man will be an inspiration to his men. I was here for the civic reception accorded him and I also had the honour of having a number of conferences with him. Nothing has impressed me more than the ability of the man. to take charge of the New Zealand Forces. You, who are" concerned for the welfare of your boys or your sweethearts when they go overseas, can feel assured that they could be entrusted to no better hands than those of General Freyberg. His visit to New Zealand was not only of value to himself but to myself, my staff officers, and the Government.