The Northern Advocate "NORTHLAND FIRST." Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1943. FUTURE OF FURLOUGH MEN.

Northern Advocate, 2 October 1943, Page 4

The Northern Advocate "NORTHLAND FIRST." Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1943. FUTURE OF FURLOUGH MEN.

EVER since the return on furlough of men who had served in the Middle East with the New Zealand Division, there has been speculation as to whether they would be required to rejoin comrades who had remained on active service. The Prime Minister ended speculation yesterday with an announcement in which he stated that, following upon an exchange of views with General Freyberg, the War Cabinet had come to a decision regarding the return of the men on, furlough. Mr. Fraser explained that the Government intended to make the granting of furlough a permanent Scheme so far as 'circumstances allowed. The principal consideration, apparently, apart from the exingencies of fighting, is the provision of sufficient shipping to bring men to-New Zealand and to carry others to the war zones. Obviously, if shipping was not available, it would be out of the question to bring men regularly to New Zealand on furlough. There is also the point that if a considerable number of experienced and battle-trained men were retained in New Zealand it would prevent the granting of furlough to other men equally deserving a respite. These considerations;, as well as the need for maintaining the New Zealand Division in the state of efficiency that, has won it undying fame, constitute real obstacles to gratifying the desire of everybody that men who have been on active service during the war should be given an opportunity to visit their loved ones in their homeland. If it were practicable, those with the longest service should receive preference, though it is always possible that men who had just arrived in a war zone might immediately sustain physical hurt which campaigners had escaped. There must necessarily be exceptions calling for special consideration. ~ - . ' The War Cabinet has now decided that, with the exception of certain officers, warrant-officers, non-coms, specialists and tradesmen, all married men with children, and all men over 41 years of age, shall be retained in New Zealand on leave without pay. All other furlough men will be medically examined, and,, if fit, will return to their units in the Middle East at the end of the present month or later. Members of the classes granted exemption may, if they wish, volunteer for service, and, if passed fit, will go with a returning draft. Men granted leave without pay will be liable to be called upon’to undertake work of national importance. In this way the manpower shortage would be to some extent overcome.

The decision of the Government will clear the way so far as furlough men are concerned, and they will be able to retake their places in civilian life or prepare for further participation in the terrific task in which they have so nobly proved themselves.