VITAL WORKERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 192, 15 August 1941, Page 8

VITAL WORKERS

APPEALS BY FIRMS

TWO EMPLOYEES ENLIST

Appeals by engineering firms, an ammunition company and a rubber mills firm for employees doing work of national importance were made before the No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board this morning. A number of the appeals were supported by the Director of National Service. In most cases they were adjourned sine die, provided the reservist remained in his present position. Alternative service such as with the Home Guard or Fire Service was ordered in all cases where this was practicable.

The danger of men getting into an essential industry merely in order to avoid overseas service was stressed by the chairman, Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in inquiring into the positions of a number of men who had joined these firms since it became apparent that they would be liable for service. He stressed the need for employers to make inquiries, before engaging men, as to their previous experience. There were two cases of men having left the employ of the firms between the lodging of the appeals and the hearings, in order to enlist for overseas service.

One man had a brother overseas and was keen to go himself. The employer had tried to persuade him to remain, but when he learnt of the reservist's determination he knew it would be useless to compel the man to stay under the regulations as he would only sulk and his production would be nil.

"A willing soldier is better than an unwilling worker." commented the chairman, Mr. Orr Walker.

The second man had left his position and had put in an application for the air force. It was pointed out that if the reservist was turned down by the air force it was open to the employer to get the man back.