MEN AND EQUIPMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15951, 23 June 1915, Page 6

MEN AND EQUIPMENTS.

In spite of the semi-official statement promulgated in New Zealand, it appears that the Imperial Government is still desirous of more men provided equipment difficulties can be overcome. Thei Federal Minister for Defence has told a Melbourne audience that " the British authorities have informed tho Australian Government that every man is wanted." Mr. Pearce added that ho know there wcro difficulties in the way of equipment which the Government would surmount. From this there seems to be no doubt that if more New Zealandcrs ; can bo equipped tho Imperial authorities want them. That the men will be forthcoming, if called, is not to be questioned, even though Otago leaves its quota to be made up iri> the North Island. Nor can it be questioned thai the concentrated energy of the Government could find the equipment in some way or other—in Now Zealand as in Australia. If the people of this loyal Dominion feel chat their duty requires them to make greater efforts for the Imperial safety than -, they have done, it is the co-ordinate duty of their responsible Government to take thoi necessary, steps' to strengthen the contingents provided the Imperial authorities accept, a patriotic offer. Tho men cannot, bo sent at once, but preparations can be made by tho time the men are ready the increasing British supplies, assisted by, local effort, may enable the Government ;* to' i' equip them. Nothing can be done, however, without the. cordial,: and .energetic cooperation j of " the Defence Department.,,. That the country as a whole is .desirous of 'increasing our total contribution to Fifty Thousand' men at { as early -a- date ,y as possible is unmistakable. • '■'. Recruiting 'has not been systematically attempted, yet our Northern drafts are i far ■ ahead of -immediate requirements, ; < and could be greatly increased if encouragement were ('„ given',, to, ~ willing volunteers. •.- With the Empire fighting for its existence and the Mother Country exerting itsolf nobly in our common battle, it I ; it New (Zealand's duty as it { is New Zealand ■ interest to. help in finishing \ the war as speedily ,as V' possible. If the Imperial authorities want every man they can get from Australia, they must surely want every man to be obtained from New Zealand.