COMBING INDUSTRY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 85, 11 April 1945, Page 8

COMBING INDUSTRY

APPEAL BOARD EVIDENCE During the discussion of the executive of the Auckland R.S.A. reported in the Star on March 14 in this page on the matter of the combing out of grade A men from Industry to serve overseas reference was made to nature of the evidence presented to armed forces appeal boards and the statement was made by Mr. Aekins that "it appeared that the only evidence given was by an employer or the employer's representative. There was no inquiry into any factory or workshop by inspectors as was done by manpower authorities." Exception is taken to the statement by Mr. H. G. J. Sharpe, National Service Department, who states that the Armed Forces Appeal Board, when reviewing category A men held on appeal, calls on the National Service Department for a report. On the staff of the District Manpower Office there are a number of investigating officers, whose duty it is to investigate the circumstances of the case handed over to them. These officers carry out their investigations on the premises of the firms concerned, interviewing both employer and employee and noting just what the reservist's duties are. They then make out their reports and recommendations, purely on the merits of the case. The reports are then attached to the reservist's file and submitted to the Utilisation Committee affecting the industry concerned (which is composed of equal numbers of employers and employees' representatives), who in turn make their recommendation. These files follow the case through to the Appeal Court and should the board deem it necessary or advisable, the investigating officer is called upon to give evidence. "As a returned soldier. I can definitely state that Gestapo methods are Jiot employed by officers of the Nationa" Service Department," states Mr. Sharpe.