THE CALL TO SERVICE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 964, 14 March 1917, Page 8

THE CALL TO SERVICE.

FARMER RESERVISTS, MESSAGE FROM MINISTER, The following statement was issued by the Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) yesterday afternoon:— My attention has been drawn to the fact that, in many parts of the Dominion farmer reservists who have been called up for service are not taking steps to have their farms carried on, and are not representing to the Military Service Boards the difficulties with which they are confronted. It has been reported to me that some farmer reservists are not appealing for exemption, but are selling off their stock and shutting up their properties because they feel that any other course may reflect upon their patriotism and loyalty. I fully, appreciate the spirit which prompts them to take this course, but I do not think it is one that is in the best interests of the Empire. It seems to me a national necessity at the present time to keep all farms going at their normal stock-carrying ami grain-producing capacity in order to maintain the Dominion's output of foodstuffs. Indeed, it is essential, in my opinion, that sufficient wheat should be grown in New Zealand during the next season for the year's consumption. I therefore urge every farmer reservist who is called up by ballot, and who is unable to make satisfactory arrangements for the carrying on "of his farm, cither to bring his case before the Military Service Board on appeal, or at once to approach the National Efficiency Board for advice and assistance. In fact, it is not necessary for any fanner reservist to wait until he is called up by ballot before consulting the National Efficiency Board, as the latter proposes to deal with the cases of farmers called up, or who are likely to be called up, for service, and I can assure reservists that they need have no hesitation in seeking its help. FOR TRENTHAM. The following men left Christchurch for Trentham last evening to fill vacancies in the 27th Reinforcement:— A. F. Ashbolt, A. V. Aslibolt, C. N. Ailcen, R. P. Adams, S. W. A'Court, W. G. Andrews, W. 11. Beckett, I!. A. Broadhead, A. W. Bowley, W. P. Brydcii, J. R. M. Burrell, F. A. Bullock, D. Burnip, F. V. Ball, F. Collins, H. Carpinter, J. Duncan, ,1. Dunne, G. E. Frickson, K. E. England, T. Gorst. W. Green, J. Greer, E. J. (Sale, S. P. Humphreys, J. W. L. Hardcy, R. C. Idens, R. Kelly, R. T. I.ane, A. Lament, F. Moxham, S. K. Mason, T. L. Miskimmin, W. F. Newnham, G. F. Scott, D. Smith, F. N. Stanton, W. 11. Willis, W. J. Withcll, and P. A. R. Wilson. A further draft of men to fill vacancies in the 27th Reinforcement will leave for Trentham next Tuesday. DRAWN" IN THE BALLOT. The Defence Department notifies that the following men, whose names appear in the ballot, have already re-enlisted and have been examined by the Medical Board:— Brunt, H. J., 43 Aylraer Street, Sydenham. Duggcn, D. J., 3 Meredith Street, Addington. Fawcctt, F., 71 George Street, New Brighton. Fulton, G., Rotherham. Pike, V. C, !>!> Chester Street. Rollo, C. L., 27 Fitzgerald Street. Rutherford, C. 0., Culverdcn. Madden, P. L., 6 Lancaster Street. TO RAISE AGE LIMIT. Press Association. HAMILTON, March 13. The Waipa County Council carried a resolution to-day recommending that all single men up to 50 years of age be called up before any ballot is taken of the men in the Second Division.