HON. R. SEMPLE

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1940, Page 11

HON. R. SEMPLE

Offers to Enlist FOR CONSTRUCTIONAL SECTION IPer Press Association]. CHRISTCHURCH, March 19. An offer to serve in the Army, preferably in a constructional company without a commission or any special privileges, has been made by the Minister of Public Works (Mr Semple). The Minister made his offer in a letter to General Duigan, reading as follows:— “I have decided to offer my services to the Army, through you. I am over military age, but my health is good, and I feel that I can stand up to any hardship that I may be called upon to encounter. I have had a lifetime experience in constructional work of all kinds, both underground and on the surface, and shall be pleased to serve in any constructional company. I feel that the knowledge I have gathered through life will be of some assistance in this direction. I want no commission and no special consideration. I am prepared, if my services are accepted, to live on a soldier’s pay. I offer my services because I realise that it is going to be a titanic struggle, and any man who can render any assistance whatever should voluntarily offer to serve.”