FAILING TO REGISTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 January 1941, Page 3

FAILING TO REGISTER

MR. SEMPLE’S WARNING ! I [per press association.] f I CHRISTCHURCH, January 16. ■ Several cases have occurred late■ly where men have been convicted : of failing to register, as required by I the National Service Emergency Rejgulations. In an interview to-day, I the Minister of National Service, ■ Mr. Semple, said: “I have stated lon numerous occasions that any I man who is required by law to register must do so. If he does not, and is found out, as he most assuredly will be, -'he must take the consequences. Regulation 44 gives the Director of National Service the power to issue to any man convicted of the offence of failing to register a notice calling him up for service with the armed forces. Strong action is necessary, so that those who are wilfully evading their obligations will realise that the registration of every man within an enrolled class of the Reserve is essential, and will be enforced. . “The Director of National Service has already issued notices to three men, calling them up for military service Through failing to register, these | men will not participate in any future Territorial or overseas ballots, as they have now been called up for service with the Expeditionary Force, and, if passed as fit, they will go into camp with the next Reinforcements. It will be obvious to all that nothing is to be gained by avoiding registration, and any man who thinks that he can escape being caught is living in a fool’s ' paradise. Every effort is being made to complete registration of the First . Division, and I understand that there are several more cases where prosecutions are pending. If the men concerned are convicted, they will be similarly treated, and called up for service immediately.” The Minister also pointed out that employers, also, have a very definite duty, under the regulations, to ensure that every-man ip their employ, coming within an enrolled class : of reserve has registered. “Some employers have already been prosecuted,” said.the Minister, “but. I am pleased to say that, generally speak- ■ ing, most men and employers are fully > alive to their responsibilities, and I hope that the heed for prosecutions will not arise in future.”