Protecting Positions Of Men In Camp

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1949, Page 5

Protecting Positions Of Men In Camp

WELLINGTON, Mon. (P.A.)— Provision will be made to’protect the employment of recruits during their absence for periods of training, and financial provision will be made to cover any accidents to recruits during their period of training. This was Stated by the Prime Minister today \yhen he referred to various aspects of the training scheme to be implemented if a “yes” vote is given in the referendum. Mr Fraser said the scheme’s objective was that New Zealand should have a trained force in four years’ time. No men under 21 years would be called on for overseas’ service. If war came or appeared imminent before the scheme had produced a force of men 21 years of age and over, then men in the adult-age groups would have to be called up immediately for training and service. PRINCIPLE ACCEPTED The principle of compulsion for overseas’ service in the event of war was accepted by the majority of critics of the present proposal. The proposed scheme meant that men would be trained when they reached the age at which they might be required for full service. It avoided their reaching the age of 21 untrained. In so doing it not only provided defence for the country and Commonwealth, but was the best protection for the men themselves. Mr Fraser said it had been asked: “Why not call up the 18 to 21-year-olds now?” After coilsidering all the facts, it had been decided that the basic scheme did not require • that, nor would it be practicable to do so. TWO PERIODS YEARLY It is were done, interference with careers would be more severe and a greater strain would be placed on the normal work of the community. Under the proposed scheme for 18-year-olds, training would be in two periods each year—summer and winter—to minimise interference with the men's work and education. Mr Fraser reiterated that wet canteens would not be permitted in camps for those under 21. (OTHER REFERENDUM NEWSPAGE 4.)