ANXIETY FELT

Grey River Argus, 5 June 1942, Page 6

ANXIETY FELT

By Servicemen Overseas FOR RELATIVES IN NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, June 4. • Hon. F. Jones, Minister of Defence, stated to-day that a request had been received from 'the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East, asking that the next-of-kin. or other close relatives, .in New Zealand of soldiers serving overseas should, at all times, carry a card or other document containing sufficient particulars to enable the soldiers to be notified in the event of their next-of-kin or their relatives being killed, or injured, as the result of enemy action in this Dominion. . “A scheme of this kind is in force .in Britain,” said Mr. Jones, “and it is evident that the introduction of a similar scheme in this country will help (considerably to relieve the natural anxiety of the New Zealanders serving abroad as to the welfare of their relatives in the Dominion, • should New Zealand become the scene of active hostilities. “Although this request was receivde from the 2nd N.Z.E.F. the Government feels that the scheme should apply generally to the next-of-kin of the members of all three lighting services. I therefore, appeal to all of the next-of-kin /and other close relatives of the members of the Navy, the Army and the AT Force serving overseas to carry a suitable card or other document, at all times. This, card should be of strong durable’material and should contain the full name, address and relationship of the next-of-kin, also the number, rank, full name of the unit, and the address of the member (or members) of the forces to whom jt is desired that a message should be sent ” “The natural anxiety felt by the members of the forces who are serving overseas that ste-ijs '.should be taken to ensure that they may receive accurate and prompt informle.tion in the circumstances which I have mentioned will readily be appreciated,” said the Minister, “and I feel sure that the appeal will meet with an immediate response.”