In the last reinforcements which left Dunedin the full number asked for was provided.
Can Otago supply the larger number now asked for?
It is being asked, ''Why this extra large number?''
The only answer the Recruiting Committee can give is that the men are called for, and therefore they must be required for a definite purpose.
Lord Kitchener is calling for men from all parts of the Empire, and unless he required them he is not the man to call for them.
Having been notified of the requirements, the Recruiting Committee met in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon in order to discuss the best means of ensuring that Otago will do as it has done with the 6th Reinforcements, and supply the full number asked for.
There is no time to lose, and if Otago is going to supply the men asked for, hard work must begin at once.
And it is not only in the city that every effort must be made. Every part of Otago must combine to ensure success.
Thus it is hoped that Invercargill, Gore, Milton, Balclutha, Oamaru, and other towns will organise recruiting campaigns and get strong committees together.
It is only by such efforts that Otago can hope to fulfil the undertaking placed in its hands.
• On Sunday, most successful harvest thanksgiving services were held at Pukehiki in the morning and at Highcliff in the evening, in connection with the Otago Peninsula Presbyterian charge.
The minister of the charge (the Rev. George M'Donald) has suggested that they should give the thanksgiving a practical turn by doing something for the Children's Homes under the charge of Mr Axelsen.
The result was not only successful services on Sunday, but the despatch on Monday morning of two spring carts fully loaded with produce of all kinds - sacks of potatoes and vegetables, fruit, butter, jam, etc.
One load was sent to Clyde street, and the other to the Glendining Home where they were most gladly received.
• President Wilson, explaining his reasons for American neutrality, says that the United States in not merely trying to keep out of trouble, but has the object of being free when the time comes to play a leading part in the peace settlement.
Americans do not seek a single inch of territory anywhere, therefore they are not hampered, but are able to serve other nations to the greatest extent.
The great body of real Americans would support America's policy despite any noisy elements that sought to drive her into the conflict.
• There was no more popular win at Trentham on Saturday than Warstep (says the Dominion).
The great record of this horse, and the knowledge that she was being tried out against the best galloping blood in the country gave the race for the Trentham Gold Cup special significance.
There was magic in the name, too.
Among those present were 1000 men from the Reinforcements encampment adjoining the racecourse, and 95% of these men judged that as they were taking war steps, it was fitting that they should back Warstep, and they did.
Proof of this was to be seen at the conclusion of the race, when half the claimants for the first-place division were uniformed in khaki cloth. - ODT, 21.4.1915
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
