THE CALL TO SERVICE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 858, 9 November 1916, Page 13

THE CALL TO SERVICE.

SHORTAGE OF MEN. THE EXISTING POSITION. [Special to The Sun.] WELLINGTON, November 9. Although some of the groups are reporting brisk recruiting for the 23rd and 24th Reinforcements, the shortage over the whole Dominion is going to be large, when voluntary recruiting is closed on the extended date, Monday, November 13. The latest returns show that 1173 men have been attested for the 23rd Reinforcement and 723 men for the 24th Reinforcement, as against actual requircmenis of 2385, and about 2000 respectively. These figures do not bring recruiting returns right up to dale, and men appear to be coming forward fairly fast at the present time. But the final shortage of voluntary recruits is not likely to be much less than 2000 men. The number of men to be secured through the operation of clause 35 remains an uncertain factor. More than Kioo notices have been sent out from Defence Headquarters for delivery by the police, and about 100 appeals have been received. The period of 10 days after delivery of notice is allowed for appeal, and many of the men concerned have slill time to exercise their right in this respect; but (here is reason to believe now that a considerable proportion of the reservists affected by clause 35 are not going to appeal. Some of them have enlisted during (he last week, thus making the operation of the clause in their cases unnecessary. Apparently voluntary enlistment of ohe brother, even after receipt of notices, will clear the other brothers in the same family of liability for immediate service, though they will still have to face the chance of the ballot. LYTTELTON. A' successful recruiting rally was held in Lyttelton last night. The Bugle Band of the Christchurch Senior Cadets marched and played through the streets, leading the Crowd to the Post Office corner, where the mayor, Mr W. RadelifFe, presided over a meeting which was addressed by the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr H. Holland, Mr E. Nofden, and Mr J. Seymour. Six recruits were gained:— G. Langley, Empire Motel. R. Mathieson, Empire Hold. E. Vickery, Empire Hotel. T. Suddens, St. David Street. W. Parker, Dudley Road. X. Anderson, s.s. Kaitaugata. LATEST ENLISTMENTS. Altogether, nine recruits were enlisted yesterday at the local recruiting office. In addition to those whose names were published in yesterday's Sun, the following men were sworn in:— Bernard McNamnra, Rakuia, stock agent. James Joseph Haries, IS (".Coventry Street, Christchurch, shepherd. John Joseph fiilby, ;577 Armagh Street. Christchurch, bootmaker.