N.Z. WAR EFFORT

Grey River Argus, 8 February 1941, Page 8

N.Z. WAR EFFORT

naval recruits Drive Next Week I Per Press Association] WELLINGTON, February 7. Referring to his recent announcement of the setting up of a special war-time training establishment for naval ratings, on Motuihi Island, which is known at H.M.S. Tamaki. the Minister of Defence (Mr Jones) stated to-day that plans for recruiting are now complete and a call will be made next week for volunteers. “Successful applicants not required for service on New /eoland ships, will, after training, be drafted for overseas service with the Koyai Navy,” said Mr Jones. “For single young men, with a liking for the sea, this scheme of recruiting presents a splendid opportunity. Recruit ing v. il be for seamen, signalmen, telegraphists stokers' and cooks. Applications for'the first batch close in February 22. -A naval recruiting office is being opened at Auckland. Napier. Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Home Guard Duty CONTROL OF ROAD TRAFFIC WELLINGTON, February 7. A special unit of the Home Guard is to be created to control road traffic in an emergency, Mr. Semple announced to-day. “The enemy invasion of Poland and France showed clearly the grave danger to military operations caused by traffic congestion on main highways,” the Minister commented. “Mechanised warfare demands extreme mobility of movement, and ability to strike with lightning speed at any threatened point. “The functions of the new traffic section would be, firstly, to clear any routes of civil traffic in order to facilitate the passage of troops; secondly to clear specific areas of all traffic, if required by the military authorities; and thirdly, to control and direct traffic in connection with the evacuation of the civil population. The force will be commanded by the Commissioner of Transport, and traffic inspectors of the Transport Department will form the nucleus. Each inspector will be in charge of a district, and will have under his control a number of men to bo specially selected and trained. Without exception. the Department's inspectors have expressed their willingness to act as members of the Home Guard, and to train and organise their units, which will number approximately 50 men. Emergency powers as traffic inspectors will be provided for the men selected, who will receive a distinctive badge of authority. Upon lhe issue cf a proclamation, the trame section will be detailed to the special traffic work outlined and will not become a part of the army. ; Regarding cities and larger boroughs, where efficient traffic control units already exist, it is hoped that the local authorities themselves will undertake this important work. The Department is communicating directly with them. ' In conclusion, Mr. Semple said he felt sure that the public generail;,’ would assist by recognising the an-, thcrity of the new appointees, and facilitating the work in every way. Women’s Auxiliary Air Force CHRISTCHURCH, February 7. Mentioning that so far 270 applications had been received in Christchurch for positions in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, members of which will be permanently located at training stations, MisS Mabel Howard chairwoman of the Women's War Service Auxiliary, said yesterday that there was plenty of evidence that the women of Christchurch were very keen to help the war effort. “The types of young womanhood offering their services for the Air Force are excellent,” Miss Howard 1 said. "Women now earning salaries of up to £5 a week in business and in offices have applied for positions and are prepared to take the most menial jobs at £2 2s a week.” No details of the number of women who would bo engaged for work at Wigram and Harewood had boon supplied, and the War Service Auxiliary had not expressed its opinion on the latest proposal. Further evidence that women were, anxious to help the war effort was that nearly .300 attended the start of the transport corps last week. Platoons were formed, and commanding officers appointed. On Saturday afternoon the first meeting of lhe cycle and signal corps was field. About GO girls wore riding bicycles. They went to the St. Margaret's playing fields, where an outline of the organisation was given. After forming a corps of cycle mechanics, the girls were given a demonstration of signalling by Miss Donaldson, ol the Girl Guides’ Association, and. after a community sing, were entertained at afternoon tea ' NON-COMBATANT SERVICE. WELLINGTON, February 7. There is no protection under die National Service Emergency Regulations. for those staling I hey are prepared to serve in a non-combatant unit, according to Mr Stillwell, S.M.. Chairman of lhe Wellington Appeal Board. Dismissing the appeal nf Stanley Gordon Fields, Mr Stillwell said the board was satisfied lhe applicant was sincere in his views, and the hoard would recommend posting to a non-combatant unit. Fields stated that, he Was a member of the sect known as Exclusive Brethren. INTEREST-FREE LOANS. WELLINGTON, February 7. Interest free loans acknowledged to-day, by Mr Nash, bring the total to £2,650,448.