12TH REINFORCEMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9247, 14 January 1916, Page 6

12TH REINFORCEMENTS

SMALL SHORTAGES REPORTED. NO SERIOUS DIFFICULTY. The Wellington, Auckland and. Canterbury drafts for the lath Reinforcements are now in camp, and the Otago draft will arrive from the south by steamer this morning. There seems no reason io doubt that the force will be brought to full strength within, the next few' days. The Auckland draft reached Trentbam short by 37 men of its proper quota, but the northern district is reported to be able to fill the gaps,almost at once. The Canterbury and Otago districts have not yet completed their quotas, but the shortages are not serious and will be covered quickly. The completion of the 12th Reinforcements wiil«not mean any slackening in the demand for recruits. Gaps in the 11th Reinforcements have etill to be filled and the 13th Reinforcements have to enter camp at the beginning of next month. The position would be serious if recruiting had remained at the low level of the holiday season. Fortunately there has been a, marked acceleration within recent days and the Defence authorities hope that it will be maintained. OTAGO QUOTA ALMOST COMPLETE Press Associa lion. DUuVj-iDIN, January 13. Tho Otago quota for the 12th Rein-forr-ements will probably be only 16 short. The quota left for Wellington to-day. Dunedin city saved the situation by sending forward 40 more men than its share. The troops were enthusiastically farewelled.