The front page of the Advertiser, 5 August, 1914
Advertiser – February 1918
1 February 1918 p7
RECRUITING PROBLEM: THE REJECTED VOLUNTEERS
The recruiting problem is now engaging serious attention… The Director-General is of opinion that the time has arrived when married men should be offered special inducement to enlist. This matter is one that will undoubtedly receive attention. The question of medical examination has also been raised. Mr. Mackinnon has publicly drawn attention to the high percentage of volunteers rejected. In well informed circles it is considered that the physical standard insisted upon by the authorities is too severe. This applies, not only to the A.I.F. authorities in Australia, but also to the headquarters staff in England. It is stated that the men being sent back to Australia would be accepted gladly by the British Army authorities. The matter has already been the subject of official correspondence between the defence authorities and the War Office, and more may be heard of it shortly.
1 February 1918 p8
THE CALL TO ARMS.
… The State Recruiting Committee in an advertisement in another column has adopted a novel method of interesting the eligible men and the public of South Australia in voluntary recruiting. The following questions are submitted and the public are asked to forward answer to the recruiting office, Victoria-square.
- Can you give a feasible reason why the eligible men who should be fighting for the freedom of the civilised world, for humanity, and for the Empire, are not now offering themselves for enlistment?
- Can you offer any suggestion which might be the means of inducing eligible men to come forward in hundreds as recruits for the much-needed reinforcements of the A.I.F. on active service abroad?
It is hoped that among the many scores of answers that are sure to be sent in some bright ideas may be received…
1 February 1918 p7
SOLDIERS ENGLISH WIVES: ASSISTED PASSAGE GIVEN
The State Premier has received from the Agent-General, a letter dealing with the matter of Australian soldiers marrying English girls. Mr. Wade says that he is informed that some 2,000 Australians have married women in the United Kingdom, and recently these marriages have taken place at the rate of 5OO a month. Mr. Wade asks instruction as to whether the State will extend the provisions of immigration assisted passages to soldiers’ wives, and says that pending instruction… In reply to the letter Mr. Holman has cabled the Agent-General approving of the action.
25 February 1918 p10
27th BATTALION REUNION
A grand reunion of all returned officers, N.C.O.’s, and men who have belonged to the, 27th Battalion will take place at the Cheer-up Hut on Wednesday next (27/2/1918). Lieutenant-Colonel Dollman VD) will preside. A first-class musical programme will be presented. There will be ample room, and the Cheer-up Society is providing refreshments.
26 February p5
COMFORTS IN THE FIRING LINE
A gunner in France writes to the hon. Secretary of the Australian Comforts Fund (of which the South Australian division is The League of Loyal Women: -“Women of Australia! We men owe you a big debt. I can assure you that the men of this battery have a warm corner in their hearts for the Australian Comforts Fund. Where we are in action land, that tin of cocoa steaming hot provided by the A C F almost in the firing line was really a comfort. Alter a man had been packing from 2 am to 8 and sometimes IO a m, tired, wet, and muddy, well you cannot imagine what a blessing it was to us, and not only Australians, but New Zealanders, Canadians, and Tommies were all welcome. I have told all my friends if they want to help the Australian boys to subscribe to the Australian Comforts Fund. Thanking you again and every good –wish, from yours sincerely…… ”
