MEN CALLED UP

Grey River Argus, 16 January 1941, Page 6

MEN CALLED UP

FAILURE TO REGISTER More Being Prosecuted HON. R. SEMPLE GIVES A WARNING 1 Per Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, January 16. Several cases have occurred lately where men have been convicted of failing to register, as required by the National. Service Emergency Regulations. In an interview to-day, the Minister of National Service, Hon. R. Semple, said: “I have stated on numerous occasions that any man who is required by law to register must do so. If he does not, and i s found out, as lie most assuredly will be, he must tak e 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 Reserv e is essential, and will be enforced. “The Director of National Service has already issued notices to three men, calling them up tor military service. Through failing to register, •these men will not participate m any future Territorial or overseas ballots, they have now been called up for service with the Expeditionary Force, and, if passed as fit, they will go into camp with tne. next Reinforcements. ■“lt will 'be obvious to .all that nothing is to be gained by avoidingregistration, 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 t ie 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 in their employ coming within an enrolled class of reserve has registered. “Some employers have already been prosecuted,” said the Mimstei, “but I am pleased to say that, generally speaking, most men and employers are fully alive to their responsibilities, and I hope that tne need for prosecutions will not arise in future.”