Replacing Men Overseas

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1944, Page 2

Replacing Men Overseas

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Minister for Defence (Hon, F, Jones) stated last night that in connection with the scheme of replacement of long-service personnel in the Second Division, announced in Parliament by Mr Fraser on September 21, several inquiries had been received asking for details of the policy to be followed in giving effect to the plan.

“It can now be stated.” said Mr Jcnes, “that while the age limit still remains at 41 years, it is hoped to he able to find the necessary personnel to fill replacement drafts from Grade 1 men between t , the ages of 21 and 3G. It is further hoped that it will not he necessary to post foi* overseas service married men with three or more children, or soldiers who have returned to New Zealand after serving anywhere overseas for three years or longer, hut any men of these classes wishing to serve overseas will he considered for inclusion in drafts. It should, of course, be understood that it will he impossible to bring back at once, or in one draft, all men of the Second Division who have had over three years’ service overseas. As far as practicable, however, the men will be brought hack in the same order as they left the Dominion. In the case of those who left New Zealand in the early period of the war and subsequently proceeded to the Middle East, their period of service in the South Pacific will be taken into consideration in determining their order of return.”