OVERSEAS SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23753, 26 September 1942, Page 4

OVERSEAS SERVICE

POSITION OF MEN WITH FAMILIES PROTEST BY KAIAPOI R.S.A. The question of sending married men with families to serve overseas was discussed at a meeting of the Kaiapoi branch of the Returned Services’ Association. Strong condemnation of the practice was expressed, and the following resolution was carried;— “This association strongly protests against the sending of married men, with families, overseas until the whole position is reviewed, and all single men and married men without children, mobilised or to be mobilised, have left these shores. We suggest that all appeals and medical gradings be reviewed so that every fit man without children be compelled to do his full share of military duty. We are satisfied that too many fit men in civil life are escaping military service while married men with families are made to serve. This ought not to be. “The members of this association also feel that no person of military age, not serving in the forces, should have authority to dictate to men or women when, or how, they should serve. This is an anomaly which should not exist.’’ Copies of the resolution will bo sent to the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), Mr C. Morgan Williams, M.P. for the district, and to the headquarters of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association. The resolution follows on one passed at the annual meeting of the association when alarm was expressed at the numer of appeals being granted. A resolution was passed suggesting that all appeals should be referred to a district committee for private inquiry and advice before being heard, by the Appeal Board.