MEN ON FURLOUGH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 309, 9 October 1943, Page 3

MEN ON FURLOUGH.

QUESTIONS AS TO OPTION POSITION IN THE DOMINION. (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Several questions are exercising the minds of members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. at present home on furlough who have been given the option of remaining in New Zealand provided they agree to take work under the direction of the manpower authorities. Pleading the list of points on which these men would like to be enlightened are those relating to rates of pay, type of work to which they would be directed, and whether or not they would be given the option of taking up their former civilian occupations. When the questions were submitted to the manpower authorities it was stated that no information could be released at present. One sergeant put the case for many of the men when he said he wanted these points cleared up before lie made a decision whet hereto return to the Middle East. The sergeant said that his former civilian job was open to him, but no information appeared to be available whether the men who were remaining behind would be allowed to return to their old jobs; whether, as seemed to be indicated, £4 10s was to be the maximum wage; or whether it would be subsidised; and whether any real effort would be made to place men in jobs for which they were suited. There were problems of vital importance. The sergeant said in all fairness to the men and to their dependents an early and concise statement of the policy to be followed should be made before the men were obliged to make their decisions. MEN OF 40 GIVEN CHOICE OF REMAINING.

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October S. Men over the age of 40 years who will attain the age of’ 41 by the end fef December next among those of the 'Middle Plast furlough draft are given Ihe right to elect whether they will return to the Middle East or remain in New Zealand.