GRADE I. MEN AT HOME

Evening Star, Issue 24916, 14 July 1943, Page 2

GRADE I. MEN AT HOME

SHOULD TAKE VETERANS' PLACE AGGRESSIVE EX-SERVICEMEN CRITICS (P.A.) OAMARU, July 14. That members of the Second N.Z.E.P. at present on furlough from the Middle East should be given the opportunity of taking positions in New Zealand (in or out of the Army) at present held by Category A men who would thus be released for service overseas AVas the unanimous decision of the executive of the Oamaru Returned Servicemen's Association last evening. The Dominion executive of the R.S.A. was also asked to take up the'question with the Government. _. Strong criticism was voiced by members of men who allegedly held " cushy "» jobs in the Army as well as in civil life. The subject was introduced by Mr J. Mavfield, who said it was the best argument the R.S.A. had ever had for "getting at the shirkers." There could be no question of man »ower shortage, as the soldiers on furlongh could release Category A men in the Dominion for service overseas. . Captain A. T. McMurtrie (a returned man of the present Avar) pointed out that the men now in the Dominion were onlv on furlough and would be returned overseas. They might not want-to remain in, the country.

Mr Mayfield: What about the married men?

Captain McMurtrie: I know of men who, if they had the opportunity, would, go back straight away. Mr Mayfield: That may be so, but married men who hav.e returned should be given the opportunity of remaining. Their places could be filled, by Category A men at present exempted because thev are holding down " soft " jobs. Mr E. H. Tavlor said he was i" entire agreement with Mr Mayfield. There were far too many men in exempted positions, and here was an opportunity for them to go overseas. Mr Mayfieud* then moved the following motion:—"That the men, preferably the married men, who have served overseas'and are home on privilege leave should be given the opportunity, if they so desire, of talking positions and so release other Category A men for service overseas." Speaking to this motion, which was seconded by Mr* J. F. Ericsou, Mr Mayfield-said that the return of the men from the Middle East was an opportunity for the fit men in " sheltered " jobs to show whether they had the courage to go overseas and fight for their country. It would give those meii who said they' were "breaking their necks " to get away the opportunity to do so. Mr Taylor: Employers have had three years in'which to replace these fit men, and now is the chance for them to get off to the war, Mr Mayfield: There are men in the Army in'New Zealand, many holding commissions and " sitting back" in "soft "yobs, or else acting as instructors, who have never fought in any war. Now is the opportunity to get | them awav.

The motion was carried unanimously.