TERRITORIAL COMMISSIONS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 138, 13 June 1941, Page 6

TERRITORIAL COMMISSIONS

The issue of commissions in oar territorial and overseas forces examination. All men from 18 to 46 are eligible for service. If these men are fit to serve and prom themselves physically fit and of definite ability, why are they debarred from winning to commissioned rank because they have passed 35 years of age. All men under 35 are not necessarily the best men. There must be men from 35 to 45 as good as any other. This war is being fought for democracy, we are told. Why" am then allow every man who is accepted for the duration of the war to have equality of opportunity? I have cases to hand of men who have signed on under a younger age, who have been recommended for commissions, jdone training, and passed high to be told they are at 40 too old to lead the group with which, as private or N.C.O. they must keep up under hardship. I am far from being an advocate for older officers, but I do believe that if the age of sacrifice and service is to be 18 to 45, then every man should be talron on his merits as a man and promoted on his merits, his ability and physical powers being the basis of consideration, and his age forgotten. Surely at a time like this it is merit and ability that is wanted, not stupid arbitrary rules of lieutenant 35, captain 40. etc. THIRTY-FIVE AND SIX MONTHS.