REFUGEES ENLIST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23390, 5 July 1939, Page 14

REFUGEES ENLIST

INELIGIBLE TO SERVE

COUNTRY WORTH DEFENDING EXAMPLE TO NEW ZEALANDERS [by telegraph OWN correspondent] DUNEDIN, Tuesday An incentive to men of military ago to support the present appeal to defend their own country is provided by the actions of several refugees exiled from their countries in voluntarily seeking enlistment with the New Zealand Forces. Finding this country entirely to their liking, being free and happy here, they appear to consider that if worth adopting it is also worth defending. The military authorities have received several applications from refugees of various ages who are seeking enlistment. It is understood that some of these applications come from men who served their own country during the Great War. These offers are naturally very much appreciated and it is sincerely regretted that full use cannot be made of them, hut the regulations insist that the men enrolled must be of British birth or bo naturalised citizens. • In the meantime the applicants are not naturalised —thoy have to remain for a period of years before naturalisation papers can bo taken out —and consequently are not eligible for sorvico. However, their names are duly being noted and tho regret of tho men declined may find happier expression in time to come. Their spontaneous actions are highly commendable and the authorities are highly gratified.

NATIONAL RESERVE OFFER BY HAMILTON BAND [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Tuesday A decision to offer the services of the Hamilton Citizens' Band as a complete unit for tho National Military Reserve was made at a meeting of tho band last night. Members were unanimously of the opinion that tho band should play its part in tho defence of tho country. The secretary was instructed to writo to tho area officer of the Army Department, Hamilton, offering tho band's services.

RESPONSE IN WAIKATO 200 YOUNG MEN ENLIST [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Tuesday Since the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, made his appeal for recruits, about 200 young men in the Waikato district havo come forward to offer their services. Practically all the volunteers are from country districts. In the Waikato Mounted Rifles, 30 have enlisted, while 18 have joined tho Second Medium Battery of the New Zealand Artillery and 17 have joined the Waikato .Regiment. Enrolments are progressing at a fairly steady rate each week. Approximately 600 men from Hamilton havo so far joined the National Military Reserve, this figure comparing favourably with thoso of other centres.