CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 88, 15 April 1942, Page 6

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

BALLOTS AND APPEALS

(To The Editor)

This is the time for frank speaking. In the last ballot, of 3093 reservists called for service in the Auckland military area, nearly half are affected by appeals lodged with the Auckland area Manpower Committee. The appeals total 1424, and it has been reported that a substantial number are from employers. The basis of an appeal, when boiled down to cold face, is inconsequential. A man may reason he is irreplaceable, but that is sheer nonsense. If Fate decreed that this man die to-morrow, how long would his position be vacant? That is the bone of my contention. An employer has ample manpower — and woman-power — available in New Zealand at present to release any member of his staff who becomes eligible for military service as the ballots are drawn. The first duty .of every citizen in the present emergency is one towards his country, and it ranks poor patriotism when practically half find it necessary to appeal or. alternatively, have appeals made on their behalf. There is no excuse. The army needs fit men to be trained urgently. New Zealand's danger is as acute as ever and the present lull in the South Pacific need not deceive anyone. In conclusion, to forcsta.l eager critics, I would point out that I have quoted one ballot and one militarv area only. F. HOOKWAY.