THE NEW DEFENCE SCHEME.

North Otago Times, 4 May 1911, Page 1

THE NEW DEFENCE SCHEME.

Per I'ress Association, Wellington, May 3. Up to Saturday last 1-5,835 persons between the ages of 14 and 21 had registered under the new defence scheme. In the last few days forms have come to hand more numerously than heretofore, but better progress WU be required if complete registration is to be effected before the 2nd June. The registrations affected in ithe different military districts up .to the end of the week were as follows : ' Territorials Sr. Cadets Auckland 1,110 1,fr74 Wellington 2,287 3,878 Canterbury 2,227 2,330 Otago 1,209 2,020' Totals „. 5,833 10,002 These figures take no account of theteiritorials and senior cadets at .present serving under- the old order of tilings. On a rough calculation made at headquarters the territorials and senior cadets at present serving will account lor another 18,50j (12,000 torritorials and 50oU 3euior cadets). The registration of these units is done automatically through compunies, It will accordingly "be seen that up to the present approximately 3-3,335 persons liable to serve under 'the new ; scheme have been accounted l'or. As the defence authorities estimate that 71,000 are actually liable for service over 37,000 forms have to come in before the 2nd June. After that date those who should have registered and have not dono so will be-liable to prosecution each I week,

The 56 area sergeants who are at presen; controlling the work of registration, report to the officer commanding the district, and the latter in turn reports to headquarters. During the next two weeks a compilation embracing the whole country will be made, and it will then be possible to estimate roughly the laggards who will have to register in the final days. As soon as the returnu are completed the work of examination will be proceeded with: Colonel Purdy, the Director of Medical Services, will.have the . as-, sistance of four district P.M.O.'s in this very important work. Major Macintosh, of the Wellington Battalion, has resigned his commission, Major-General Godley, Commander of the Forces, is due back i n Wellington from Auckland on Monday.