DEFENCE SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1942, Page 6

DEFENCE SERVICE

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

SPECIALIST TRAINING

1 "It is intended that in future university courses will be designed not only for the training of specialist personnel, but in addition for giving general scientific training to selected men to fit them for the conditions of the present mechan- . ised war," the Minister of National Service (Mr. Semple) stated last night when he announced that the seriousness of the international ! situation no longer permitted the military authorities to allow university students to undertake ser- | vice training during vacations only. "To this end the university colleges will give special attention to the training of an adequate supply of such men to meet the needs of the armed forces and essential civilian require- j ments," he added. ! Mr. Semple explained that with this in view postponement of the military service could be granted only to approved students on the following conditions:— 1. That the student is willing to change his course if required to do so j by the university authorities to better qualify him for specialist service with the armed forces. 2. That the student is prepared to undertake such military training dur-j ing the course of his studies as is required of him and can conveniently be arranged during weekends and in vacations. 3. That he diligently pursues the course of studies for the purposed, mentioned. J 4. That he shall be released for full-time service with the armed forces at any time ,if required. STUDENTS TO BE ADVISED. j "Students who come within the purview of the new policy will be notified as soon as possible by the Director of National Service that appeals are being lodged on their behalf," Mr. Semple said, "but they will be, given the opportunity of notifying the Director if they prefer to continue military training. ... In all cases where postponement of service is granted the student's position will be reviewed at intervals throughout the university session and at the end of the university year in the light of existing circumstances and examination results. "If any of the students concerned for whom appeals are successful are already in military camp, steps will be taken for their release to enable them to return to the university.

"All those students who have not yet attained eighteen years of age or are unfit for military service are advised to continue their studies, and their cases will be considered as they attain military age or if they are later passed fit for military service."