THE CALL TO MEN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 7

THE CALL TO MEN.

THE DERBY SCHEME. FIRST GROUP TO BE CALLED UP NEXT WEEK. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, LONDON, February 2.0. The first group of recruits under Lord Derby's scheme will be called up next week.

THE NATION OR BUSINESS, CONSCRIPTION BEING DISCUSSED EXEMPTION TRIBUXALS. LONDON, February 20. Though the first group of Derhyites has been called up, it is understood that thev will not begin training unless they' have reached the age of nineteen, the remainder will be sent home until they have reached military age. The advisability of conscription for younger married men is being discussed generally. It is believed unlikely at present, but much depends on the percentage of effective recruiting among the unmarried. Thereon also depenas the summoning of married Derbyrtcs. The authorities are seeking means of making recruiting more productive. The Central News Agency states that the authorities are touring the counties, investigating tho work oi local tribunals and their handling of exemption claims. A special committee has been established at tho "War Office to revise the list of reserved occupations. It is expected that the list will he soon reduced. A fresh list of instructions to tribunals will shortly be issued, impressing on them that national necessity must have priority ore? private business.

RECRUITING EXEMPTIONS. FARM LABOURERS RELEASED. LONDON. February 20. During the sitting of Kirkby-Stephen (Westmoreland) recruiting tribunal, many farmers threatened to sell their stock and abaudou their farms if their workmen were conscripted.' The tribunal held that the bulk of the claimants were necessary for agricultural work aud granted exemptions. "INDISPENSABLE." TRIBUNALS SHOWING MORE STERNNESS. v - ■ .* Times " and Sydney ". Sun" Service!(Received February 21, 6.10 p.m.) LONDON, February 20. The great rush for exemptions under" Lord Derby's scheme has alarmed the authorities, who find that about SO per cent of the claims for exemption are granted. Strong efforts are now being made to secure a strict interpretation of the word "indispensable,. with.the result that the tribunals are beginning to show sternness in the treatment of applicants. Typical cases were before the London tribunals today, including some remarkable claims. The secretary of the Naval and Military Bible Society asked for the exemption of the superintendent of his packing department, -aged nineteen years. . He said that ho was indispensable because it was impossible to find a substitute The application was refused.

It was decided that the commercial traveller is a luxury in war time, and an appeal by one was dismissed. The appeal of a distributor of official photographs was deferred for six months, comma under a reserved definitiim of "news .-.gency." A military cap-cutter.- a scientific seedsman and a cartoonist claimed that their services v.ere indispensable. Their appeals were refused or 'deferred.