WAR SERVICE

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 November 1943, Page 4

WAR SERVICE

SINGLE MEN NOT FIRST

CHRISTCHURCH, November 19

“Is it your opinion that a single Grade 1 man should not be sent to the war if he is making ploughs, although a married man with three children may have to go in his place?” This was the question put to the Munitions Liaison Officer, Mr. Barrett, by the Crown representative, Mr. W. F. Tracy, when appeals for 12 employees of W. H. Price and Company were heard by the Armed Forces Appeal Court to-day.

“That is the attitude of my Department,” replied Mr. Barrett. He added that he had been instructed to urge the retention of all types of engineers, regardless of whether they were married or single. “I don’t follow this,” said Mr. Tracy. He added that there had been men from the top of the political world to the bottom saying the single men were to go. “Has this been made public?” asked Mr. Tracy. “I don’t think so. Why should it?” answered Mr. Barrett. “Because the public should know that although it is drummed in every month by politicians that single men must go. there is at least one Department that is not prepared to accept that principle,” said Mr. Tracy.