ENLISTMENT REFUSED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 3, 3 July 1940, Page 5

ENLISTMENT REFUSED

IN PUBLIC INTEREST

THE MAYOR OF CHRIST-

CHURCH

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, July 2.

The Christchurch .Manpower Committee has in the meantime refused the enlistment of the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr. R.. M. Macfarlane, M.P., for service overseas. This was announced today by the chairman of the committee, Mr. J. S. Barnett, who is at the moment an inmate of the Christchurch Public Hospital. According toi his statement, the committee made its decision "in tlje public interest," considering that in the meantime the services of the Mayor could best be used locally.

When the decision was referred to Mr. Macfarlane he said he had not expected it,, and, naturally, was disappointed. He had made all arrangements preparatory to his being called up. At the same time he thought his work as Mayor of Christchurch was of some national importance, and there was, too, the introduction of conscription. Married men must now take their turn in the ballot. He hoped in the meantime it would be possible for him \o do his bit, perhaps in the Territorials or someiother branch of home defence. ■