BADGES FOR REJECTS

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 97, 25 April 1916, Page 7

BADGES FOR REJECTS

AN AUSTRALIAN MEDALLION,

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) SYDNEY, 18th April. It looks as if Federal Ministers, although confronted with an increasingly vociferous demand for the introduction of conscription, are waiting to see what will shortly happen in Great Britain before committing themselves definitely on the question. Meanwhile attention is being given to details in connection with the present system of voluntary enlistment, with the vie.w of tightening ib up, and getting results which will approximate closer to the original high expectations and go nearer to fulfilment of the promise given by the Primp ■Minister of an army of 30.000 Australians sent to the front. For some time past there has existed an agitation for the provision of some official testimonial to be exhibited in their own vindication by men wbn have offered' for service abroad but have been denied inclusion in the Expeditionary Forces fot medical or other reasons. The object is to secure the narrowing down of the sneer about "cold feet" to fit any eligible men who have not volunteered. In compliance with this demand it is announced that there will be issued shortly badges to volunteers who have failed to pass the medical test, to munition workers, and to those who are being utilised for home defence purposes. For men rejected by the medical examiners the badge, which is in the form of a. medallion, • will, be of nickel, that for munition workers will be of bronze, and that for men who have volunteered for home service will be of brass. On the back of each medallion will be stamped a number in order to prevent duplication, and the use of the badge by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued.