HURRY UP.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1915, Page 3

HURRY UP.

THE NEED FOR MEN. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Oct. 18. The recruiting appeal issued by the Prime Minister to-day is another indication that the problem of finding the men required for the Expeditionary Forces is assuming a new phase. A week ago there appeared likely to be an actual shortage on the November requirements, owing to the hastening of the departure of Reinforcements and the formation of a special reserve, but the good response secured in Wellington and Auckland has made the position fairly secure. No fewer than 320 men enlisted in Wellington last week, and if the South Island has done anything like as well, proportionately, the problem would be solved already. The Defence authorities realise, nevertheless, that the recruiting difficulty may become acute within the neut few months, and they are considering schemes for bringing the young men up to the mark. Both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence arc prepared to take the platform actively, if necessary, and, of course, they "can count upon the assistance of the other members of the Ministry and of the members of Parliament generally. They do not wish to move until the National Register is complete, and the position with relation to the Dominion's available supply of men is made clear. THE NATIONAL REGISTER. WHAT WILL IT LEAD TO? What use does the Government intend to make of the National Register! The Ministers, it may be noticed, have not given an answer to that question. The man who states on his registration form that he is willing to become a member of the forces is not committing himself in any legal way, and the National Registration Act does not appear to contemplate any further step. The Prime Minister has said that he believes the men will come forward through the ordinary channels when the case has been put squarely before them, and they have thought out their answers to the printed questions. But if they do not? Your correspondent has pressed inquiries on this point in several responsible quarters, and has gathered an impression that the Ministersjthemselve3 are keeping open minds. They want to have detailed information at their disposal. Then, if the men fail to come forward as fast as they are required, a further step can be considered. There does not appear to be any reason why the Defence Minister should not communicate directly, through the post or otherwise, with men who have stated in their registration forms their willingness to serve. But these men cannot be summoned to the colors in any mandatory form, for service abroad, under the powers that the Government possesses at the present time.