WAR DEFAULTERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25318, 27 September 1945, Page 4

WAR DEFAULTERS

MEN NOW RELEASED 32 DIRECTED TO WORK Since the first sitting,, in June, of the revision authorities to deal with applications for release on parole of military defaulters detained in camps, 32 of the released .men have been directed to work by the Auckland office of the National Service Department. With only one exception, the men have obeyed the direction orders without appealing to the Industrial Manpower. Committee and have been absorbed into a variety of occupations. On being released by the revision authority, the men have an obligation to report to the manpower office for direction to work, and the right of appeal against a direction is allowed them. If they fail to comply with the direction orders they are liable to be re-

turned to the detention camp. The only appeal that has been lodged in Auckland by one of the released men came up for hearing recently, but decision has been deferred. When the men start work they come under the authority of the special tribunal which deals with the cases of conscientious objectors whose appeals against military service have been allowed. They forfeit part of their income

to the Social Security Fund, thereby reducing them to the same financial status as a serviceman. If they are called on to work reasonable overtime in the industries to which they have been directed, they must do so, and they are allowed half of the extra money. The remainder also goes to the Social Security Fund. Of the men who have been directed in Auckland, one has entered a profession and three are working in hospitals. Others have joined a variety of trades, including plastering, painting, carpentry and engineering, and others are engaged on sheep, poultry and dairy farms and in factories. Some have resumed work on their own land holdings. Displeasure at the thought of the released defaulters being sent to work with them was expressed a few months ago by some groups of unionists, but the policy of directing the men has 10 far operated smoothly.