N.Z. FORCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 259, 19 August 1950, Page 6

N.Z. FORCE

DRAFT FOR SERVICE IN KOREA CALL-UP VERY SHORTLY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “The selection of volunteers for the ground forcq: New Zealand is raising for the United Nations is now well advanced and those required to enter camp on August 29 may expect to receive their callup notices within a few days,” said the Minister of Defence, the Hon. T. L. MacDonald, to-day. The Minister said that the number of volunteers had been greatly in excess of the number required, and selection had been restricted to those considered most eligible. “About twice as many men as needed were medically examined,” continued Mr MacDonald. “These men were mainly called forward order in which they had volunteered, and the final selection has been made from those within this group who had been found fit. As a general rule, preference has been given to single men under 27 years of age, although some other volunteers have been accepted because they had the experience which fits them for a specialist' appointment.” Mr MacDonald said that, although most of the men selected would enter camp on August 29, or within a few days after that date, there would be small supplementary intakes later. They would be needed to replace losses during training, and to meet any minor changes in the composition of the force. In addition, it was planned to assemble in New Zealand, after the departure of the force, a small reinforcement group. The Army authorities' at present, were engaged in classifying those volunteers who had not gained a place in the initial selection, and, as soon as that work was completed, probably in about a week or 10 days, notice would be sent out informing the volunteers whether they would be required at a later date. The Minister said that he realised that,failure to be selected would cause some disappointment, but he could assure all volunteers that the Government appreciated the spirit in which they had offered their services. •