AUSTRALIAN ARMY

Grey River Argus, 12 August 1944, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN ARMY

OPPOSES TRANSFER OF MEN TO ESSENTIAL WORK.

(Special to N.Z. Press Assn.) (Rec. 9.0) SYDNEY, Aug. 11. Some conflict Is believed to have arisen between the Services and Commonwealth Manpower authorities over the Federal Government’s plans to transfer more men from the Army to the civilian war jobs. It was earlier suggested that the Army would be reduced by fifty thousand, but that the frontline fighting strength would not be impaired. This figure, it is understood, was not happily received in Service quarters. One of the principal grounds of contention is over allocation of what are called “first class lives,” which the Army wishes to retain. On the civilian side, it is argued that only men of first class physical condition can do some of the jobs essential to this part of Australia’s war effort. The Prime Minister, Mr Curtin, has announced that the resignation of the Commonwealth’s Director-General of Manpower, Mr W. C. Wurth, has been received with great regret. It is understood that Mr Wurth will retain his position until manpower reassessment has been completed, and finally is not expected until the end of September. An editorial tribute to Mr Wurth’s work is paid to-day by the “Sydney Sun,”