FURLOUGH MEN

Grey River Argus, 21 October 1943, Page 3

FURLOUGH MEN

N.Z.R.S.A. COMMITTEE VIEWS. P.A. WELLINGTON, Oct. 20. The Dominion Executive Committee of the N.Z.R.S.A., at a meeting considered the question of the return of furlough men and the manpower problem. The committee carried the following resolutions:—

(1) “That the N.Z.R.S.A;, in accordance with its policy, cannot interfere in any way with the return or the demobilisation of furlough men, as they are serving soldiers. The gesture of returning the men on furlough was the tribute of a grateful country to its magnificent division. But it must be realised that the Middle East Division is only part of the Dominion’s armed forces, and many of the men in the Navy, the Air Force , and other u’nits .Have even longer service than the furlough men, and have not had this privilege.’’ (2) “That in reference to; the manpower position in New Zealand, the N.Z. R.S.A. Dominion Executive Committee realises the many difficulties, but nevertheless considers that numerous category A men held in the socalled essential industries (sufficient at least for a division) could be drastically reduced by a really severe overhaul and by eliminating many of the so-called essential industries. It realises that this means a considerable hardship for the people, but it feels that people are prepared to bear these hardships in prosecuting the l war which is by no means over.” The Governor-General visited the headquarters of the N.Z.R.S.A. to hand over an autographed photo 1 of the King. His Excellency said he felt the King would have liked to make the presentation himself, as His Majesty knew what diggers did in the last war and in the present war. The photograph would be treasured by the Association, which had as one of the corner stones of its constitution loyalty to the Throne and the Empire. Mr. Jacobs asked His Excellency to convey to the King affectionate loyal greetings from all ex-servicemen in New Zealand.