Releases From Camp

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 95, 23 April 1942, Page 3

Releases From Camp

The possibility of abuse in the system whereby soldiers could be released from camp was mentioned by the chairman of the No. GA Manpower Committee (Mr. T. L. Seddou) in Palmerston North on Tuesday. He was referring to applications for release of soldiers from camp to engage in constructional work at military camps. The committco, he stated, had never received a complete picture of the work to be done. The veil was lifted now and then from ono corner or another, but the whole position was never revealed. They were working in the dark and it was time tho Public Works Department and the military authorities conferred and decided on what work was to be done and evolve a better plan for tho release ol men. They were taking the line o lease resistance, which was tho Main

power Committee, and it was very unfair; the committee should be the last and not the first resort. The whole system was wrong and was open to abuse. The contractors were not to blame; they could only do what they were told to do. In many of the cases which came before the committee yesterday, indefinite leavo was sought, but the committee refused to grant this and ordered adjournments for definite periods, usually two months, when the position will be reviewed.