MILITARY SERVICE

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1942, Page 5

MILITARY SERVICE

Terms of Postponement

k FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

P.A. WELLINGTON, February 24. The Minister of National Service. Hon. R. Semple, announced to-night that, owing to the seriousness of the international situation, it is not possible to continue the arrangement whereby the University students were generally permitted to undertake military training during their vacations. Mr. Semple said: “It is intended that, in future, University courses will be designed not only for the training of specialist personnel, but, in addition, for the giving of general scientific training to selected men to fit them for the conditions of the present mechanised war. To this end, University Colleges will give special attention to the training of an adequate supply of such men to meet the needs of the armed forces and essential civilian requirements.” Mr. Semple explained that, with this in view, the postponement of military service could be granted only to approved students on the following conditions: Firstly, that the student is willing to change his course, if required to do, to better qualify him for specialist service with the armed forces; secondly, that the student is prepared to undertake such military training during the '•nurse of his studies as is required of him, and can conveniently be arranged during week-ends and vacations; thirdly, that he diligently pursues studies for the purposes mentioned: fourthly, that he shall be released for full-time service with the armed forces at any time, if required. Students coming within the scope of the new policy will be notified, as soon, as possible, by the Director of National Service, that appeals are being lodged on their behalf, but they will be given the opportunity of notifying the Director if they prefer to continue military training. The actual decision on the appeals rests with the Armed Forces Appeal Boards, or the Manpower Committees, but these tribunals have been recommended to grant sine die postponement of full-time military service in respect of selected students, [f any students concerned for whom appeals are successful are already in military camp, steps will be taken for their release to enable them to return to the University. Students not yet eighteen, or unfit for military service, are advised to continue their studies, and their cases will be considered if, and when, they are later passed as fit for service.