THE REINFORCEMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13814, 19 July 1918, Page 5

THE REINFORCEMENTS

REDUCTION OF DRAFTS. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. I Special to Tiniest WELLINGTON, Thtusday. The Minister for DeiVnee lias niail« % liis | r»hiii>. 11 st:.i ement regarding the reduction <• t" reinforcements. The reinforcement quota is to be lowered to the level existing before tlio increase of April last, and the change will take effect at once as far as the despatch of troops is concerned; but, as anticipated, t!u iv will lie no interference with men already posted to diafts. The July, Au :ust and September reinforcements are in enter camp at the strength already arranged. This is considered to be necessary in order to maintain the troops in training at the required strength. The August and September drafts contain at present neatly 1.00 men each. No additional men will he taken for these drafts. The October draft has between 300 and iOO men now. It is expected to be tilled before the examination of the men dtaw.i in the July ballot, taken to-iJr *, »s commenced. A substantial number o." B and •' men, including many unsuccessful appellants, will he carried fouvaid to the November draft and later drafts.

The reduction of the quota makes it practically cei tain that nojie of the Class D men (three children) will be wanted in camp before March. The recruiting authorities are not in a position to rn»ke anv definite announcement on this point, since the supply of shipping and other factors cannot be gauged exactly. The Minis'er .or Deface. that the reinforcement quota might require to be raised again if there weie heavy New Zealand casualties during the next few months. The casualties would have to be exceptionally severe to a varr'^n'necessary. At the present time Nev Zealand reinforcements form three entrenching battalions, in addition to the normal resetves and to troops in training in England and en route from New Zealand. The wastage of heavy lighting could be replaced without asking another call for extra men from New Zealand.