TOO MANY CIVILIANS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 241, 12 October 1942, Page 3

TOO MANY CIVILIANS

Evidence Of U.S. War Agencies

Being Overstaffed

MANPOWER SHORTAGES

Rec. noon. WASHINGTON, Oct. 11

The Government's concern over the manpower shortages took a unique turn as evidence indicated that the war agencies themselves have become overstaffed with civilian employees, who might better be in the armed services, says the Jsew York Times. Congress will investigate such questions as why the civilian employees of the War Department now total 1.100.000. which is approximately 182,000 more than the entire Governmental establishment at the peak of last war. Describing the manpower problem as the most serious question confronting the United States, Senator Taft introduced a bill creating a new manpower director, who is to nave over-all authority for recruiting personnel for the armed forces agriculture. industry and essential civilian occupations based on the principle of voluntary recruiting.

Senator Taft also proposed the drafting of 19-year-old youths, but with deferment until they have completed their current college year. Married men over 30 with children are to be deferred until all those without dependents have been enrolled. Family men engaged in essential occupations are to be deferred until all those who are not. so h;:vc been railed up.