MORE ENLIST IN THE NORTH

Southland Times, Issue 23922, 14 September 1939, Page 4

MORE ENLIST IN THE NORTH

25 PER CENT. CLASSED AS UNFIT

DENTAL TROUBLE AS MAIN CAUSE ,

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND, September 13. More than 400 young men volunteered today at various centres in the Northern Military District, a result which was considered to be very encouraging. This number of enlistments brought the aggregate to 3048 after two days recruiting. Generally speaking the types who offered themselves for service with the special military force were very good. It was found that of those who were medically examined approximately 25 per cent, were ranked as medically unfit, principally because of dental trouble. It has been laid down that any man would be considered dentally fit provided he was required to have not more than three hours of dental treatment. If he needed a longer period of treatment he would be classed as dentally unfit, at any rate for the first draft. Recruits, will be given dental treatment free of charge. Dunedin Although the first heavy rush was over the officers and clerks engaged in attending to applicants for acceptance in the special military force for service overseas or at home were kept busy again today. The Dunedin total when the office closed on Tuesday night was 341, and today’s applications increased it to 417. Medical examination began this evening and will be continued for the remainder of the week and probably right through next week. The area staff officer (Major A. Bongard) said that all eligible single men at least could expect notification to attend for medical examination within the next few days. Officers of the Army Department are well pleased with the type of recruit coming forward. Christchurch The total enlistments in Christchurch is now 605. Palmerston North Ninety-six more recruits came forward today for the special military force in the area for which Palmerston North is headquarters, bringing the total to 326 at nine o’clock tonight. About three-quarters of those who have been enrolled are either serving with territorials or have had previous training. Medical examinations are to begin on Friday.