AUSTRALIAN ENLISTMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16589, 12 July 1917, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN ENLISTMENTS

Sir James Allen has supplied for the first time for many months precise figures showing New Zealand's contribution to the armies of the Empire. Excluding Maoris and Niue Islanders the total of soldiers sent abroad and in camp is approximately 84,000. This figure gives a fair basis of comparison with Australia's effort, which New Zcalanders—and especially those who wish to put a limit to New Zealand reinforcements—are inclined to depreciate. No comparison can be exact on account of differences in the methods of compilation. The most familiar Australian method deals with totals accepted for service, while the New Zealand tabulation excludes all who have not actually gone to camp. A statement somewhat on the lines of Sir James Allen's was, however, made by the Australian Minister for Defence on July 3. From this the present day total for Australia, sent abroad and in camp, may fairly be set down at 315,000 men. No census figures have been taken in Australia since 1911, but the 1915 estimate of population was 4,931,988. This computation shows Australia's contribution at 6.38 per cent, of the 1915 population. Taking the estimated population of New Zealand for the same year—l,lo2.3o3—it will be found that our contribution has now reached 7.62 per cent. The difference is solely due to the rejection of compulsory service in Australia. Up to a year ago the Australian effort suffered in no way by comparison with our own. It is well known that recent Australian enlistments have been much under requirements. This year they have been less than the total of the casualties. But taking the figures for the whole war period it must be admitted that Australia has made a magnificent volunteering response which gives no ground for the contention that it is time for New Zealand to call a halt.