Volunteers Withdrawn At Last Minute

Northern Advocate, 9 November 1939, Page 3

Volunteers Withdrawn At Last Minute

Even at this late hour enlisted men, who were to have left Whang,arei on Friday with a draft of specialists for camp, are being withdrawn by their employers. This means, that to make up the complement, they are being replaced by other men, who, having been passed as fit, can proceed to camp at such short notice and in addition have the qualifications necessary. In the dental chair yesterday receiving attention in order that he might be ready when called up for the second echelon, a man who volunteered recently received a message from the military authorities asking whether he would be able to proceed to camp almost immediately. Receipt of such short notice is apt to cause inconvenience in individual cases, although few men are reluctant to accept the opportunity of beginning their service earlier than would otherwise have been the case. Prevented From Going. From investigations made it can be stated that the fault does not lie with the military authorities,, who in this area have done everything possible to pave the way for recruits. The reason for such last-minute changes can usually be sheeted home to employers, some of whom are not prepared to free employees who have enlisted. Numerous cases have occurred in which men who have volunteered have, upon being called up, been prevented from going to camp by the intervention of their employers. Finding, at the last moment, men with specialist qualifications in a scattered district like Northland is a difficult task and one which has caused endless trouble.

Farmers, it is realised, often have a valid claim for retaining the services of their men, especially at the height of the dairying season. Knowing that they are likely to be declined as belonging to an exempt occupation, a number of farm workers have shown their occupational status on their enlistment forms as “labourers.”

One man, who realised that a shortage of cooks was likely, classed himself as one and was Immediately taken. Farm Labourers Kept Back. In other cases farmers have lodged an objection upon learning their men were to be called up, and the men have been retained in their present employment. Even in large establishments, employing hundreds, an odd man who has enlisted finds that he has been prevented from getting away by his employers. Instances have occurred when men having made all .arrangements to absent themselves have been held back at the last minute because their employers have made representations accordingly. “What is wanted is a more helpful attitude on the part of employers to ease the way for men who are desirous of serving their country,” said an ex-soldier today. “While difficulties are placed in the way, coupled with the large numbers of exempted occupations, it is not to be wondered at that the number of recruits coming forward is comparatively small. Best Way to Prevent War. “Many employers and others do not seem to realise there is a war on. “Their attitude ist ‘The war hasn’l started. Why bother?’ “The surest way to prevent a real war is for the Allies to be absolutely prepared, so that the enemy will realise that he cannot win.

“The more formidable our defence, the less prepared will Hitler be to commit himself to destruction, and the quicker the Nazi regime will collapse. “There is a feeling that this is a gentlemanly kind of war, in which no one wants to hurt anyone else. “The same could be said of the start of the 30 Years’ Wax', which, be fore its conclusion, had practically depopulated Germany Psychological Effect.

“Thei'e were many handshakes at the start of the Wars of the Roses, but before it finished neither side would take a prisoner alive. “If Hitler decides to take a chance he will move quickly. “Psychologically, the quick response of the outlying Dominions must have created a big effect, and any contribution we can make is of great importance. “The Germans will remember that during the latter stages of the Great War they had to triple their strength when opposing the Anzacs,”

Hotly.—The body of Mrs Annie Crowhurst, GO. who had been living alone at Mercer for some time past, was found by a sawmill employee floating in the Waikato River yesterday morning. An inquest was opened yesterday by the District Coroner (Mr C. K. Laurie, J.P.) and adjourned.