RELEASE BY ARMY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 12, 15 January 1943, Page 4

RELEASE BY ARMY

FREEZING WORKERS

' BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION

Some 400 applications for release of freezing workers from camp were dealt with at a sitting of the No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board this morning. Mr. C. Orr Walker, S.M., presided, and associated with him were Messrs. T. P. McCready and A. M. Samuel.

The applications for release were made by representatives of the Westfield Freezing Co., Limited, the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Co., Limited, and R. and W. Hellaby, Limited, Mr. F. W. Maslin, representing the district manpower officer, and Mr. Harry Williaaas, liaison officer between the district manpower officer and the army, were also present. It was stated that the men concerned in the applications had been granted leave by the army up to 40 days, but this time was not sufficient to carry the applicants through the season. An extension of the period of leave up to April 30 was therefore asked for. Mr. Williams had interviewed the men in the camps and had picked them out as being suitable. The army had agreed to their release. The majority of the men were unfit for overseas service, and in any case, where a man fit for overseas was selected, it was because he was a key man with past experience in the industry.

In reply to Mr. F. J. Cox, Crown representative, Mr. Williams stated that about five per cent of the men were fit for overseas service.

The release of all the men was recommended. It was stated that a further extension would be asked for a small percentage of the men. The number would depend upon the kind of season experienced.