PROGRESS OF RECRUITING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 85, 12 April 1940, Page 6

PROGRESS OF RECRUITING

SATISFACTORY RESPONSE I COM PARISON WITH THE LAST WAR WELLINGTON. April 11. “The response in regard to recruiting compares favourably with New Zealand’s effort in 1914, in that we will complete the formation of a division and ancillary troops inside 1- months, whereas during the last war 18 months elapsed before the same relative position was reached,” said the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, who, ax chairman of the National Recruiting Council, was addressing the second meeting meeting of the council to-day. He expressed the opinion that the recruiting organisation had been placed on foundations which would result in the complete effectiveness of the can?' paign. Since the last meeting of the council recruiting had proceeded satisfactorily, registrations for service averaging just over 600 weekly. The Second Echelon was in camp complete, and the strength of the third had been increased by 1600 about, six weeks ago over the figure originally intended and the position was now as follows: Required for the Third Echelon, 661 b; already in camp. 890; fit men available to proceed to camp, 4868; men awaiting examination. 1122, estimated to produce 875 fit men; total, 6633. The Minister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, said that they had done exceptionally well with the recruiting campaign in every district. Judging from reports he had received the organisation was first-class, and everything had been done to make Iho meetings a success. He appreciated the splendid voluntary work of the recruiting committees and all others concerned. The return of H.M.S. Achilles to New Zealand had given a wonderful opportunity of stimulating interest in recruiting. Among other matters. Mr. Jones said that they wanted, as far as possible. to have all men in camp in huts during the winter months. He thought they would be able to put the Third Echelon into the new battle dress which was now in production and which, he believed, everyone was satisfied would be an improvement on the present uniform. The report of the Organisation and Publicity Committee was presented by the Hon. D. Wilson. Details were given in the report of the magnitude of recruiting advertising in the newspapers, and in this connection Mr. Wilson expressed gratification at the | promises of co-operation and assistance that had been given by the annual conference of the Newspapei Proprietors’ Association at Rotorua.