CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 145, 20 June 1940, Page 6

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS.

HOME DEFENCE. (To.the Editor.) Miss duett is to be congratulated on her spirited letter. Now tic public know the truth - concerning the difficulty of obtaining sufficient qualified instructor*. The fault lies not with the docton themselves but with the system under which they are bound to examine. I know of one case where an ex-officer thoroughly experienced as a gun instructor at the front during the last war, actually offered to enlist aa a sergeant-instructor in order to assist in the training of our boys. The military authorities welcomed his offer, fce was duly "boarded." Normally regarded in everyday life as a fit, healthy man, he was amazed to find that, on account s of a medical defect, which could* he cured by a small operation, he must henceforth regard himself as "permanently unfit." He was therefore informed that, provided he would undergo the operation in his own t.im» (and not as a private soldier at the Government's expense which would probably necessitate a total expenditure of £20 in pay and separation allowance to his wife!). he would be reconsidered. In vain did the military authorities tndeavour to secure this man's services; but no. the regulations must be strictly adhered to. So at present the country is not likely to benefit by tie services of the experienced ex-Digger, for while he may daily perform his duty as wharfie, tr&mwaynnn or clerk, he may not be employed on a comparatively light job as an instructor. j.ET