Married Men With Children. Some Others To Remain On Furlough

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1943, Page 5

Married Men With Children. Some Others To Remain On Furlough

,(P.A.) * WELLINGTON, This Day. HOLLOWING AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH GENERAL 1 FREYBERG THE WAR CABINET HAS DISCUSSED THE RETURN TO SERVICE WITH THE SECOND DIVISION OF MEN IN THE FURLOUGH DRAFT, STATED THE PRIME MINISTER (MR. FRASER). Provided always that circumstances, and particularly shipping, made it possible, it is the Government’s intention, said Mr. Fraser, that furlough for men in the Second N.Z.E.F. should be regarded as a continuous scheme. It will be appreciated that retention in New Zealand of any number of experienced and •battle-trained men, would prejudice the return to New Zealand on furlough of further men who are entitled to similar consideration and.at the same time would seriously affect the efficiency of our magnificent Division. The War Cabinet has now decided that, with the exception of certain officers, warrant-officers, non-com-missioned officers, specialists and tradesmen, all married , men with children* and all men of 41 years of age arid over should be retained in New Zealand and placed on leave without pay, but that any men within those classes desiring to return with the draft could elect to do so. Similar conditions would apply to Maoris, who, in any case, were not liable for compulsory service and who. under this scheme, would have an opportunity of volunteering to return, RETURN TO MIDDLE EAST The balance of furlough men were medically examined and, if passed fit, would return to the Middle East at the expiration of their leave. It was also decided that all warrant-officers, non-coms, specialists and tradesmen, whether married or single, and married men without children and single men might, on. the grounds of undue personal hardship, apply to remain in New Zealand. These appeals should be in writing to Army Headquarters, which will refer them to the appropriate armed forces appeal boards for hearing. In accordance with the existing practice, the appeal boards’ recommendations will be forwarded to the army for consideration. Men who remained in New Zealand might be directed to work of national importance. Leave for furlough draft now in New Zealand would be extended till the end of October or such time thereafter as might be necessary to enable medical examination to be completed and for consideration of applications by appeal boards for those desiring to remain in New Zealand.