There was a period where they were left out as a "wartime manufacturing expediency". The dates escape me at the moment, but they were re-instated when Slazengers took over wood production IIRC.
Point of interest, there were a lot of coachwood foreends about a while back, raw timber, no recoil pads fitted and all 1942 dated. It was a supply of these which were used by John Jovino Co to assemble many rifles from parts he bought from the Aust.Govt. The absence of the recoil plates and more so, a suffix on the serial number were the ways of identifying likely JJ Co built rifles.

I have a few clues/ theories as to why so many foreends all '42 dated were still unissued, but haven't been able to confirm it. Anyone have any ideas they' care to share...?Attachment 24879