APPEAL MADE FOR RECRUITS

Southland Times, Issue 24001, 16 December 1939, Page 8

APPEAL MADE FOR RECRUITS

MEN FOR SECOND ECHELON NO REJECTION BECAUSE OF DENTAL DEFECTS (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 15. An appeal for recruits to bring the second echelon of the special military force up to the full strength and provide the nucleus for the third echelon was made by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) in a statement tonight. Enlistments will be on the same conditions as those for the first echelon. “The first echelon has completed the preliminary training,” said Mr Jones, “and will shortly leave for advanced training overseas. The mobilization camps will then be available for the training of the second echelon. Numbers of men who have already enlisted and have been passed medically fit are waiting to enter camp with the second echelon but more are required to make up the full strength and provide the nucelus for the third echelon. Those prepared to offer their services should do so as soon as possible. Officers tor the second echelon have been training since November 8. Non-commissioned officers are also in training and their number will be supplemented from the later enlistments. “Some who volunteered for the first echelon were rejected on account of minor dental defects. There will be no further rejections on this ground, as all such troubles will be rectified by the Army dental officers in camp. “On the day recruiting opened for the first echelon the volunteers exceeded the total number required. The volunteers for the second echelon may have difficulty in beating this (record, but they can equal it.

“SERVICE INVOLVES SACRIFICE” “Service with the forces involves sacrifice, but the Government has always believed the necessary sacrifice would be made when the need was known. “The men on final leave have obeyed the call of duty and the country honours them. I am confident that their fellow-men will not falter now in the national effort to maintain ana guarantee the safety of New Zealand and the British Commonwealth. I have arranged for the continuation of the Central Recruiting Committee and the following officers will carry out the campaign with myself as chairman. —Colonel O. H. Mead, D. 5.0., Adjut-ant-General, Mr F. B. Dwyer, of Army Headquarters, Major R. E. Murray, army publicity officer, Major E. H. Whiting, of the Central Military District, and Mr J. T. Paul, Director of Publicity. . “We cordially welcome the assistance of territorial associations, local bodies, representatives of other organisations and citizens generally to ensure tbe success of this appeal.”