27 JANUARY 1917, Page 2

The Army's call for men has lien accentuated this week

in two ways. The Local Government Board has informed the Tribunals that Men under thirty-ono who are fit for general service or for garrison duty abroad should not be exempted, unless they are skilled men doing certified work of essential nationatimpoitance or `are. employed on the land. ?he Tribunals are urged to greater strictness in dealing with men over thirty-one, as the demand for men fit for general service or-garrison service abroad is " so great that exemption is not justified unless supported on very strong grounds." They are required to begin training by the end of March at latest. At the same time the War Office has called up an lads of eighteen, born in 1898 and in January, 1899; so-that they- may begin their training at once. Rngieeering apprentices in ship. yards or munition• factories are to remain at worlia 3149181(.4 944 up will be employed in home defence until they are nineteen, aann to relieve the older men of weak physique. Already, as we had• expected, they are flocking to the colours.