THE SECOND DIVISION.

North Otago Times, Volume CVI, Issue 13975, 12 September 1917, Page 2

THE SECOND DIVISION.

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■'. PROBABLE .rfRENGTH'OF'. .-. ....'. SECTIONS. ' • ■ ■■ ■WELlilNG'HNflSeptember 10.. It is now possible to giye in further detail particulars concerning the Second Division, the first class of which will be balloted for at the end of next, month and •■.go .into camp three mouths later..

There are 19,000 nicn in the class A of the Second Division, and from 20,000 to 25,000 in each of classes B, C, D, and E, so. that there arc very few men of military age with families of over four children, the total;strength of the Second Division being 109,000, Though a certain number of doubtful classes have been posted to class A, it is- confidently anticipated that this class will provide at least two months' reinforcements, and with a little luck three, for to it have to be added the youths coming of military age. Something, like 400 youths are posted to the First Division overy month.

It is understood that for a beginning at any rate, the Second Division will be called up at the ratio of four .to one', If class A, with the youths reaching military age, provides for three months' reinforcements, the men in class B will not go to the ballot till the end of January, as they on the same ratio should supply four drafts, the first going into camp at the end of April, the .class C men—those with two children—should not be balloted until tho end of May, leaving for camp at the end of August. Of course, this is base ( d on the assumption that the ratio of four to one will bo adhered to, but it is extremely likely in view of the niany exemptions that will have to be granted to farmers and others the puT" sibility of a small proportion of fit men, that the rata may have to be considerably increased, if not more than I doubled, in which case the above somewhat sanguine forecast 'will have to be considerably discounted. Tho possibility is that the .Second Division''will not last twelvo months.

It is understood that voluntary enlisting on the part of members of the Second Division will shortly bo stopped altogether. In view of this, the present military recruiting districts will be abolished, and a draft will he called up from the Dominion as a whole and not o:i a district basis as in the case of the First Division.

The Amendment Bill to the Military Fervice Act, in addition to enacting this, will also prpvide for the automatic calling- up of youths reaching military age for the residue, of A class and the balloting of the succeeding class- to make up the shortage, For example, say, that after providing two drafts there is not sufficient w'tli T'i ,,; i T)i'■•:.• foriYirif.-; 1 . Ih'eiP ''"•■• I! V"!il'!. W!:!: i' ■ balloted for to provide the remainder of the draft, rviFiillOALI.Y UNiIT. " - THE HE-EXAMINATIONS." The first report from the special board appointed to re-examine C2 medically unlit men of the First Division has been received by the Minister of Defence, who states that out of sixty-four men examined in Auckland fifteen were classes'' A, which means that they will join a reinforcements draft. Eighteen were classed CI, which will result in their going into the special training camp at Fcathcratoii.

PROVIDING PAY AND PENSIONS,

EARLY LEGISLATION PROMISED. DIFFICULTIES OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION, (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, September 11, Replying to Dr Thackcr, in the House this afternoon, the Hon. Sir James Allen said he hoped to place legislation rcganling,ithc Second Division pensions and allowances before the House in a week's time. If the House chose, it could pass the Bill before (he first ballot, which would be held at the end of October. It was impossible to hold the medical examination/before the ballot.

Replying to Mr C. J. Parr, the Minister of Defence said it was intended to hold the medical examination of Ihe Second Division as early as possible after the ballot. For this purpose it was intended to requisition .twenty additional doctors, but it might be necessary to pass legislation to this end.