ARMY PERSONNEL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 17 August 1944, Page 4

ARMY PERSONNEL

SURPLUS TO BE COMBED OUT INSPECTORS TOURING CAMPS Wellington, This Day. The steps taken by the army to make certain that no personnel were retained in the service unless fully and usefully employed were detailed by the Ad-jutant-General. Brigadier A. E. Con- ; way, at the Army School of Instruction yesterday when addressing a group of Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps officers who have just completed a refresher course of instruction. “At present the strength of the army is being reduced,” said Brigadier Conway, “and we who are responsible for the organisation and size of the army are very concerned that we should not continue to employ any personnel who are no longer required. A while ago, as you arc no doubt aware, the Defence Services Personnel Committee was appointed to go round the camps and other establishments with the idea of combing out any surplus personnel for whom there is no longer essential full time employment. However, we are a jump ahead of the committee. Ever since last September we have had our own inspectors going the rounds, and if they and other staff officers are doing their job properly the civilian committee should not find much wrong. “When you go back to your units, bear in mind that if you have any women serving under you not required, you should report it so they can be taken elsewhere and made use of, or else allowed to leave the army altogether. This breaking-down process is not a pleasant one, but someone h?s to do it, and it is the responsibility of all officers to assist.”