NEW ZEALAND FORCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16964, 28 March 1917, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND FORCE

STRENGTHENING THE DIVISION

A NEW BRIGADE.

{Fbom Oub Own Cobeespondent.J WELLINGTON, March 27. \ A very important announcement 'regard* ;ng tlie New Zealand Expeditionary E'orca was made by the Defenco Minister (Sil James Allen) to a reporter to-day. : | Some hint was given a few days, ago about the possible strengthening of the New Zealand Division at the front. Sir. James Allen explained! what* has actually; .i jjeen done. The _ War Office was very anxious, said the Minister, to utilise the New Zealand Division and as many other -.'New Zeajand troops as were availably for the big push in the summer campaign, and it asked the Government to allow it to put ..the accumulated reinforcements in England infcc a brigade. The Government agreed to the proposal on the understanding that .the new brigade was to be attached to the N<r« Zealand Division, and. not used elsewhere, and that no' additional reinforcements more than were,now being sent should be' foiv warded from here. Owing to the casualties being light_ in the period of partial,inactivity during the winter, there were,®oi£ siderable. accumulations of reinforcements ii England and in France. They were;, no! touching tho_ reinforcements- in France to make up this new brigade. It was being made up entirely of the men available in England. _ This brigade would remain -with the * division, and would be available tc reinforce the division should it fall below strength. 1