SUPPLY OF RECRUITS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 617, 1 February 1916, Page 10

SUPPLY OF RECRUITS.

INTERESTS OF VITAL INDUSTRIES. SOME DIFFICULTIES AHEAD. (Special to The Sou.) WELLINGTON, January 31. "The result of her national register, showing that her volunteers number one in seven of her population, illustrates New Zealand's bl-

tense loyalty," says the "Manchester Guardian," "but the response ought not be fully accepted in view of her contributions of food to Great Britain and her allies." These words give poiid to a phase of the recruiting problem that will have hj» receive attention in the mar future if the war, as seems likely, is going to continue beyond the middle of the present year. I'nollicial statements made to your correspondent indicate thai members of the Governmenl realise the difficulties that continued recruiting at the present rale is bound lo create. New Zealand, at the end of June next, will have sent away approximately 50,(100 men and will have some 10,000 additional men in training. In oilier words, (ill,ooo men will have been withdrawn from civilian service in a producing country that has never bad any substantial surplus of labour. Another 15,000 recruits will be required during the second half of the year lo maintain the reinforcements and reserves. The national register figures show Dial there are plcnl.\ of men of military age in the Dominion, willing to serve with the forces if I hey are required, ami the members of the Becruiting Board do not anticipate an\ serious difficulty in keeping the training camps full for main months lo come. But the problem is not merely one of finding men. The Governmenl lias to ask itself how long New Zealand can continue drawing upon her manhood at the present rale without affecting production through a scarcity of labour. The military authorities bold that it is possible for New Zealand to maintain the present rate of reinforcements for at leas! two years more without interfering materially with the great primary industries, and they point lo whal has been (lone in other countries affected by

ithe war. Uul they leave details of I ways and means to the civil authority, which so far has left the industries to adjust themselves to the conditions produced by the war. A few workers engaged in industries connected directly with the equipment of the troops have been told to remain at work when they pro- : posed to enlist, but that has been ! the exent of the Government's effort " i to organise the industrial forces of •'the country. Measures of a far • 1 more important character will be ■ I necessary if the present rate of re-

cruiling has to be maintained into next year. The Ministers realise, one gathers, that it would be a mistake to postpone the quinquennial census, which is due to be held this year. The census returns will throw a great deal ol" light upon the position of the important industries in relation to their labour supply and will guide the Government in further steps that may be necessary. The lirst step undoubtedly will be an extensive system of "starring," on the lines of Lord Derby's scheme, with a view to preventing the depletion of branches of labour concerned particularly with the production and transport of foodstuffs. Your correspondent was informed that the Government is not likely lo tackle this phase of the recruiting problem during the nexl lew months. The need for action has not yet become urgent, according to the reports furnished by employers of labour and others in various parts of the country, and before June there may be developments in Kuropc that will alter the whole complexion of liit- situation. New Zealand, it has lo be remembered, is always live or six months ahead of requirements in the matter of reinforcements; thai is say, the recruits who go into camp to-day will reinforce the units | at the front nearly half a year later. The Dominion is not likely lo continue calling up men right lo the close of the war. But if the war has not reached a decisive stage in June, then the organisation of recruiting in the interests of vital industries will become imperative. Probably the Government will have a scheme lo place before Parliament. Tub Sun want advertisements will bring the tiolj) or business desired. Two tines ((4 words), sixpence; six insertions for 2/ti.