THE VOLUNTEERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 305, 2 October 1940, Page 6

THE VOLUNTEERS

POSITION IN THE RESERVES.

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL.

GENERAL BELIEF ERRONEOUS

(Per Press Association). / WELLINGTON, This Day

The Minister of National Service (the Hon. R. Semple) stated to-day that there seemed to he a fairly widespread belief that men who had volunteered for service with the armed forces and had been found to fall short df the required physical standard were not required to register as members of the General Reserve, or to be in possession of a certificate of enrolment.

Such, however, was not the case. The Minister added that men who were discharged from the forces as medically unfit after services overseas were not members of the Reserve, but others who volunteered, whether for overseas or home defence, and had been classified as medically unfit, either before or after the commencement of training, were required to be enrolled.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION.

WILL START ON MONDAY

WELLINGTON, This Day

Because of the importance! of making up deficiencies in the Territorial units as soon as possible the medical examination of men drawn in the first ballot has been expedited; and will commence on Monday. A start was made to-day with send, ing out notices for the first groups to appear before Medical Boards. Provision has been made for men who through sickness or other disability are not able to attend at the appointed places. They will be examined by a visiting board at their own homes. Men so situated should, as soon as they receive notification, communicate with the Area Officer.

Men will be paid for time spent in undergoing medical examination. This is in conformity with the practice introduced in the last war as soon as compulsory service was introduced. All appeals against being called up must be communicated within 10 days of the Gazette publication to the secretary of the Manpower Committee in the respective areas.

Sixteen thousand names' have been drawn in the first ballot but only 6070 will be required immediately for Territorial units. Allowance has been made for medical unfitness and appeals, and to compensate for wastage through enlistment.