FEWER REINFORCEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16904, 17 July 1918, Page 6

FEWER REINFORCEMENTS.

LOSSES BELOW ESTIMATE. NORMAL DRAFTS TO BE SENT. MINISTER'S STATEMENT. [BY TELMRATH.--OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The shipping of reinforcements will reverl immediately to the rate which preceded the recent increase, according to a statement made by the Acting-Prime Ministei to-day. As far as shipping ban permitted New Zealand has increased its reinforcements during recent months, but, in accordance with the Imperial Government's request, the rate will be reduced for the time being, unless the unexpected happens, The Minister stated that casualties had not been as heavy as was anticipated. The Government had Utilised all available shipping to send away an extra number 61 men, but fro"m now on new drafts could not be trained and landed in time for this year's offensive. In view of this position, and of the fact that casualties iiad been below the estimate, the Imperial Government had stated that New Zealand could revert, temporarily at least, to the lower reinforcement quota, which had been adopted some time before this year's increase was made. There was a proviso that if casualties were heavy during the next few mentis it might be necessary to increase the strength of drafts later on. The new arrangement for the reduction would take effect at once, as far as the shipment of men was concerned. Nearly 1400 men have been posted to the forty-fifth reinforcements, comprising the August draft, and a similar number to the forty-sixth reinforcements, the September draft. The director of recruiting stated to-night that it is not proposed to delay the mobilisation of any of these men. A certain allowance, he said, had always to be made for wastage from various causes, and it was necessary to maintain the strength of the troops in camps in order that a full period of training might be given before despatoh from this country. No additional recruits would bo required for the August and September Hrafts. POSITION OF MOUNTED MSN. LEAVE WITHOUT PAY. [BT TEEECRAF-n.— ASSOCIATION,] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A certain amount of leave without pay, it is understood, may be granted to mounted rifle reinforcements at present in camp. This is due to the reinforcements for the mounted rifle troops having been reduced temporarily, and owing to the irregularity of transport accommodation available to take men to Egypt. The taking of this leave will be entirely voluntary, as there is more than sufficient work for the troops in camp.