Extension of Age Limit

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 121, 23 May 1941, Page 8

Extension of Age Limit

FIRST-DIVISION MEN Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 22. The decision of the Government to extend the age limit of the first division so as to include males who have attained the age of 18, was announced to-day by Mr W. Nash. “This action does not involve any corresponding alteration in the age limit of any other class of the division," said Mr Nash. “These young men will be required for home defence in the territorials. They will not, in any case, be called upon to serve outside New Zealand until they have reached the age of 21. Registration must be made forthwith. Forms for the purpose are obtainable at all post offices. “These men will be called up by Gazette notice early in June, and if certified as medically fit will be required to enter territorial camps for training at the beginning of July. Those who subsequently attain the age of 18 will be called upon at monthly intervals. Only those youths who are thoroughly fit and who pass a careful rigid medical test, will be accepted.” Second Division Classification. The order giving effect to the decision of the Government to enrol the 18-year age class, also provides for classification of the second division, which has been divided into 20 classes, according to an official announcement Gazetted to-day. They comprise four groups each of five, subdivided according to age and number of children. For example, the biggest class of married men aged 21 to 40, both inclusive, is subdivided as follows:—No children, class F/0; one child, F/l; two children, F/2; three children, F/3; four or more children, F/4. A similar subdivision is made in the case of all other classes—namely, married men aged 41 to 45, both inclusive, denoted by the letter “D”, and married men aged 20, denoted by the letter “E.” Although the second division of the reserve has thus been classified, married men are not required to register and must not effect registration until the issue of a proclamation directing enrolment cf the division, which will be at a later date.