CALL TO ARMS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 565, 1 December 1915, Page 3

CALL TO ARMS.

MISSING SIX HUNDRED.

ELEVENTH REINFORCEMENT SHORT*

THE MEN MUST BE FOUND

Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 30. The Minister of Defence said today that recruiting for-the Infantry of the 11th Reinforcements was 600 short, and was causing some anxiety. , "I have," he said, "telegraphed to the Mayors of .Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin telling them of this, and asking them to do w'hat they can to make up the deficiency, also asking them to put themselves in touch with the officers commanding the districts and assist in every way they can." The Minister said that the shortage in infantry recruits did not mean that the books of the department were depleted, but many enlisted men had stipulated that they were not to be called up before dates in the New Year, and there was at present an actual shortage as far as the next batch of reinforcements was concerned. Extra men had to be found quickly. Referring to the suggestion that men had been holding back in order to avoid spending Christmas and New Year holidays in camp, the Minister said there might be truth in this idea, but he did not think the men who were waiting for the New Year before beginning their training could have a correct understanding ofithe position. Their services were wanted in the immediate future and wanted urgently. It was essential that each Reinforcement should go into camp in full strength at the proper date. "We have undertaken certain obligations in . providing Reinforcements," said the Minister, "and we have tp fulfil them fully and promptly. The running of transports had been so arranged that from January next a draft of trained men \vill leave £few Zealand every fourth week, and we must call up recruits accordingly. The men for the Eleventh Reinforcements are required about 12 days hence."

The Minister said the recruiting organisations in the various districts were a good deal stronger now than they had been earlier. This was particularly the case in Canterbury. Many willing workers were giving the Defence Department valuable assistance. Mr Allen added that some 10,000 eppies of the "Recruit's Handbook," an explanatory pamphlet, published by the Defence Department,; had been circulated throughout the Dominion.

DR McNAB'S CAMPAIGN.

LAST MEETING AT SPRINGSTON The lion. Dr H. McNab, Minister of Justice, delivered the last of liis series of recruiting addresses in Canterbury, at Springston, Jast evening. The occasion was a farewell to young men of the district who have enlisted, and were home on leave from camp. I)r McNab was accompanied r by Mr G. Witty, M.P. Mr J. W. Kime presided, and there was a large attendance. ,Mr Witty expressed pleasure at j meeting the young men who were I going forward to light for the Empire. He was sure they would be as .courageous and as Mashing as their predecessorsGallipoli. He made a strong appeal to all young men who had not so far offered their services, to do so at once. With reard to war taxation, he said that it was the people with land and money who would lose all if Germany won, and they should be prepared to pay for the protection of their property. (Hear, hear.) Germany must be decisively beaten, and every man who could possibly go and help to bring about, this defeat should go for the sake of God and humanity plause.) Dr McNab, who was cheered on rising to speak, said that the , National Cabinet had considered it necessary that one Minister should travel through New Zealand to stimulate recruiting. lie had been chosen for the duty, because other members of the Cabinet had. their hands full of work, directly rising out of the war. He had a serious message to convey to the people of the Dominion/ and he wished the young men, especially, to think the matter over very carefully. His most direct appeal was to the men without dependents. The duly of the •'liian with dependents la>* at home at this stage of the war, but later on the position might become so serious that every available man must be taken. This war would not be won by wealth, but by the manhood and vigour of the Empire. At the conclusion of the addresses, presentations were made to the soldiers present—l). Eddy, J. Everest, G. Lugg, W. Stone, and S. Wall. On a blackboard were displayed the names of the 31 young men of the district who have joined the colours.