TOTAL REACHED IN ONE DAY

Southland Times, Issue 23921, 13 September 1939, Page 6

TOTAL REACHED IN ONE DAY

YOUNG MEN ANSWER CALL MINISTER GRATIFIED BY RESPONSE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, September 12. The grand total of 6655 enrolments in the special military force of 6600 for which the register was opened this morning was announced by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) in the House last night. "The ready response by the young men of New Zealand to the call that has been made for the special force has been most gratifying,” said the Minister. “I think members will join with me in expressing appreciation to the young men who have quickly responded to the appeal made.” Mr Jones said that up to 9 p.m. the enlistment figures were: NORTHERN DISTRICT Auckland 1279 Paeroa 466 Whangarei 356 Hamilton 530 TOTAL 2361 CENTRAL DISTRICT Wellington 1157 Wanganui 353 Napier 540 Hawera i 444 TOTAL 2494 SOUTHERN DISTRICT Nelson 300 Christchurch 620 Dunedin 330 Invercargill 280 TOTAL 1530 The Minister added that there had also been a wonderful response to the appeal for recruits for the Air Force. GOOD RESPONSE IN NORTH VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT DOMINION

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND, September 12.

With only one day’s recruiting completed 2631 young men of the Northern Military District have volunteered for the special military force of 6600 being raised for service within or beyond New Zealand. When the Drill Hall in Rutland street closed at 9 o’clock tonight 1279 recruits had been registered from city and suburban areas. In addition Whangarei. Dargaville, Hamilton, Te Kuiti, Paeroa, Waihi, Morrinsville, Tauranga and Rotorua handled 1352 enlistments while an unknown number of volunteers filled in registration forms at various post offices where they are available. The quota required from the district is 2200. More enlistments are being accepted up to noon on Saturday and from the combined total which includes the men who registered last week will be chosen 2200 to go into camp for training. Wellington From shops, offices, fields and workshops 1157 young men of Wellington answered the call today. Every man coveted the honour of being in the first 6600. There was not one who was not confident that he would pass any medical test. Christchurch Christchurch enlistments on the first day of recruiting for the special force totalled 432. They were enrolled today at the Army Department’s temporary recruiting office at the Canterbury College Students’ Union building. Though more than 100 volunteers were waiting for the office to open, the early rate of applications was not subsequently maintained. Dunedin At 7.30 in the morning the first arrival at the Dunedin Drill Hall took up position as the start of a queue awaiting the opening of the recruiting office. By 9 o’clock he had about 100 companions. Thereafter arrivals were steady throughout the day and into the evening and although there was no particular rush at any one time the recruiting officers were kept busy. At the end of the day the total had passed the 250 mark. Hamilton Nearly 400 volunteers registered at the recruiting office in Hamilton today when from 9 a.m. onwards a steady stream of applications was received. More than 200 assembled outside th® office before it was, opened. The recruiting officers consider the response as satisfactory as in 1914. ' Nelson There was enthusiastic response at Nelson when 120 names were handed in. Timaru The total number of enlistments in South Canterbury today was 116 up. The men offering were of fine type, most having had previous military experience. The percentage of married men was small. One youth, well under age, cycled 20 miles to enlist, but was rejected even for the territorials. Westport Enlistments at Westport totalled 31. New Plymouth When the recruiting offices closed in Taranaki at 8.30 p.m., 442 enlistments had been received. The totals at three centres were: New Plymouth 219, Stratford 92, Hawera 131. There was a steady stream of recruits throughout the , day, all of whom were stated to be of good standard. Wanganui When the recruiting office closed in Wanganui tonight 140 men had enrolled. Those enlisting were from all manner of callings and professions. Greymouth Enlistments in Greymouth today were about 100. The recruiting officers commented favourably on the high physical standard of the applicants. Hastings Recruiting officers in the Central District had a busy first day dealing with queues of volunteers. Many married men and, others not eligible were turned away. A total of 517 was enrolled up to 9 p.m. tonight, The enlistment figures are as follows: Gisborne 127, Napier 109, Hastings 95, Dannevirke 76, Masterton 110. Palmerston North A total of 22S recruits signed enlistment cards in Palmerston North today.