FACING UP TO WAR TASK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24328, 19 June 1940, Page 9

FACING UP TO WAR TASK

NATIONAL SERVICE HOME AND OVERSEAS CONSCRIPTION MACHINERY SIMILAR TO LAST WAR (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 13. The National Service Emergency Regulations made to-day by the Gov-ernor-General-in-Council provide for compulsory national, service on the part of all persons resident in the Dominion over 16 years of age. 4 ‘ These persons will constitute a general reserve.” said the Prime Minister to-day in explanation of the regulations, which have been issued under the Emergency Regulations Act. “ Reservists may be required to join the armed forces for duty overseas or for home service, or may be called on to undertake any other kind of national service within the Dominion which is essential, and which they are capable of performing. "The procedure for calling the men up for service with the armed forces will be mainly on lines followed during the World War, A register will be set up and divided into classes, according to the conjugal status, domestic responsibilities, age and locality. One or more of the different ‘ classes may be called up by proclamation by the Governor-General, and on this being done the Director of National Service will issue certificates of enrolment to all reservists in the enrolled class or classes.” Referring to the fact that persons over 16 would constitute a general reserve, Mr Fraser said the register of the general reserve would be compiled from the registration forms furnished for the purpose of the social security register. Persons who had so registered would be automatically included in the register of the general reserve and would not be required at this stage to take any further steps in the matter, but any person who had not done so should register without delay. Enrolment Procedure With regard to the certificates of enrolment for reservists, Mr Fraser explained that when a class or classes had been enrolled their certificates to that effect should reach them within about 14 days, and it would be an offence for an enrolled reservist to be without a certificate 28 days after being enrolled. Certificates must be produced on request to employers, police officers or authorised persons. Reservists of classes the enrolment of which has been directed may be selected for service with the armed forces by means of ballots, and on being so selected are deemed to be transferred from the reserve to such forces. A list of the reservists drawn in each ballot will be published in the Gazette. Provision for Appeals Provision is made for reservists drawn in the ballot to appeal against their being required to join the armed forces, and in certain cases appeals on their behalf may be made by employers or by the Crown or its representatives. The grounds of appeal include ‘ undue hardship, incorrect inclusion in a ballot, essentiality of employment, and conscientious objection to undertaking combatant service. Appeals will be heard 'by appeal boards of three members set up by the Governor-General. Successful, appellants will be deemed to be transferred from the armed forces to the reserve, provided the appeal has been allowed on the grounds that the appellant is engaged in an essential occupation, but he may again be called up for service when leaving that occupation. Recruits will be medically examined in the usual manner, and voluntary enlistment may at any time be discontinued by proclamation, either in respect of specified districts or throughout the Dominion, or in respect of certain classes or all classes of the reserve. Offences against the regulations are punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or a fine not exceeding £IOO, or by both a fine and imprisonment. HOURS OF WORK MINISTER’S NEW POWERS MEANS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON. June 18. The Minister of Labour, Mr P. C. Webb, will in future have power to suspend the provisions relating to the conditions of employment in awards or industrial agreements or any voluntary agreement, and to prescribe new conditions of employment under the i

WAR COUNCIL QUICK ACTION ASSURED PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED -NO OPPOSITION MEMBERS * (Pi* United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18. The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, today announced the following personnel of the War Council to supervise and direct the Dominion’s war effort:— The Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser. The Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash. The Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones. The Minister of Supply, Mr D. G. Sullivan. The Minister of National Service. Mr R. Semple. Mr W. W. Mulholland, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr R. Eddy, president of the New Zealand Workers’ Union. Mr C. C. Davis, representing the Employers’ Federation. Mr A. McLafan, president of the Federation of Labour. Mr W. Perry, president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. Mr E. T. Tirlkatene, M.P.. representing the Maoris. Sir Andrew Bussell, appointed by the Government. Mr L. O. Lowry, ,M.P., appointed by the Government. Mr H. Atmore, Independent M.P. The Minister of Labour (Mr P. C. Webb) and the Minister of Agriculture (Mr W. Lee Martin) will alternate in attendance at meetings of the council.Other Ministers, chiefs of staff, departmental heads, etc., will attend when necessary. Invitation Still Open Mr Fraser said the invitation to the Opposition to nominate three members to the council remained open. This, if availed of, would reduce the preponderance -of Labour representation, which in present circumstances was unavoidable. The question of the repre•entation of women has been brought before the Prime Minister by various organisations and he gave an assurance that this would receive further consideration in the light of the scope of the council’s.,.future work. Mr Fraser made it emphatically clear that the War Council would not impede quick action. Prompt and Decisive Action “There can be no doubt- about the efficiency of the council in this respect," he said, “because separate committees will be set up to deal simultaneously with special subjects, making a close and intensive study in their particular fields and reporting to the full council. The recommendations can be assured of prompt and decisive action by the presence on the council of responsible Ministers. “ There will be no holding up of decisions,” Mr Fraser said, “and there will also be no unduly prolonged deliberations. Action is what is required, not debates; but action must be based on the specialised knowledge of members and on close investigation and consideration. . “Of course,” Mr Fraser added, “occasions may arise, as they have done within the past few days, when very prompt decisions must be made in furtherance of New Zealand’s war effort. In such cases the Cabinet would take immediate action, and, when essential, decisions would even be made on my own responsibility when time is too precious to allow of consultation. There will be no question of the work of the council delaying rapid action.” LARGE ENOUGH ALREADY OPPOSITION LEADER’S VIEW (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON. June 18. “The Opposition is still of the same mind on the question of joining the War Council,” said the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Hamilton, when asked to-day to comment on the Government’s action in going ahead with the setting lip of the Council. The Opposition last week declined an invitation to be represented. There were 15 members on the Council as announced to-day. Mr Hamilton added, and that was large enough without any representation from the Opposition which could offer its assistance when the war measures were being discussed in Parliament. PRIMARY PRODUCTION ENSURING MAXIMUM SUPPLY CONTROL OF FARM OPERATIONS (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18. The Primary Industries Emergency Regulations provide for the widespread organisation of land, materials, and men. The essential purpose aimed at is to ensure the maximum supply of all products which Great Britain and this Dominion urgently require to sustain the civil population. Under the main regulations the production, processing, manufacturing, packing, freezing, chilling. or storage of primary products may be regulated and controlled. The amending regulations ensure that any persons who are or should be engaged in any phase of primary production will carry 'on the business in accordance with the directions of the Minister or Controller. The directions may relate to the manner in which land is cultivated and managed, or-to the use to which it is put in the production of primary products. The occupiers of premises capable of being used for any phase of ■primary production may be required to regulate employment in accordance with the directions of the Minister or Controller. If the directions of the Minister or Controller are not complied with a suitable representative may be authorised to carry out those directions as the agent of the producer, and he will be paid for his services out of the funds of the business. If necessary for the efficient prosecution of the war or for maintaining supplies of primary produce, land, buildings goods and machinery may be requisitioned and used in such a'manner as the Minister thinks fit. Any person having an interest in any requisitioned property will be entitled to compensation for any loss suffered by him by reason of such requisition. If the amount of compensation cannot be mutually agreed upon the matter will be determined by arbitration. Inability to fulfil a contract because of the directions of the Minister or the Controller will be a mod defence to anv claim under a contract. This ap plies to contracts made both before or after the commencement of the regulaSubstantial penalties are provided for a breach of the regulations or for flailing t 6 comply with directions given under the regulations without good cau£«.

COMPULSORY LOAN CONTROL OF SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS SAVINGS AND TRADING BANKS EXEMPTED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18. Giving the Minister of Finance power, as necessity arises in connection with the war, to require contributions to a war purposes loan —in other words, giving the right to the Minister to cal] a compulsory loan with right of appeal—the Finance Emergency Regulations No. II are being gazetted to-day. Mr Nash, explaining the regulations, said the first fo,ur were mainly in accord with the principles already operating under the regulations issued in April They provide for restriction on the export of money and securities, and also cover the position with regard to money and securities that may be taken away by travellers. The new regulations provide for the acquisition by the Reserve Bank of all gold coin and bullion, and also all foreign currencies and securities. All dealings in foreign currency anti securities will be unlawful, except with the consent of the Reserve Bank. All short term deposits arc subject to control, permission being required before the deposits are accepted. The savings banks and trading banks are specially exempted. The issue of new capital will be controlled. Existing bank overdraft rates are to continue. The Minister is authorised to direct the use of capital for production purposes, with a Government guarantee. An Emergency Finance Council will be appointed, to which the Minister mav delegate any of his powers. Mr Nash explained that the whole purpose of the regulations was to make sure that the utilisation of the Dominion’s resources for war purposes was not held up through lack of capital. WATCH ON ALIENS SECURITY OF THE DOMINION APPOINTMENT OF TRIBUNALS (Per United Press Association) .WELLINGTON, June 18. The Alien Control Emergency Regulations provide in amendment No. 3 that, if the Attorney-general so orders, an enemy alien may be delivered into the custody of such person and detained in such place as the Attorneygeneral from time to time thinks fit. At present aliens are guarded by the military authorities. The amendment provides for any cases unfit for detention in the usual place of confinement. A further regulation authorises the Governor-General to set up one or more alien tribunals. A tribunal shall consist of any number of persons not exceeding three and the_ GovernorGeneral shall appoint a chairman. The tribunal will have the powers of a commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. It will determine its own procedure, and may admit evidence, whether strictly legal evidence or not. Aliens appearing before it may be represented by a barrister or a solicitor, or by leave of the tribunal by any other person. The functions of the tribunal are to advise the Attorneygeneral on any matters arising under the regulation relating to the internment of aliens. A further regulation restricts the possession of certain articles by enemy aliens without a written permit 'friim the registration officer of the Police Department in the district in which he resides. Permits may be issued subject to conditions and may be amended or revoked. There is power on conviction to forfeit any article held in contravention of the regulation, and power for a superintendent. or an inspector of police’ to authorise a constable to search any premises on suspicion that articles may be found there in contravention of the regulations. A further regulation authorises the Attorney-general by order in writing to impose on any alien or class of aliens restrictions as to residence, reporting to the police, registration of occupation or employment, the use or possession of any machine, apparatus, arms and explosives or other article as he may think necessary. The general effect of these regulations is to give the strongest possible security against any danger arising from the presence of aliens.

powers granted by the Labour Emergency Regulations, which have just been issued. These regulations will enable the Minister to prescribe the conditions under which shift work may be carried out, and also prescribe other conditions to enable production to be carried on to its utmost.

SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT WAR COUNCIL

MUNITIONS OF WAR

SUBVERSIVE BODIES

PRODUCTION IN ‘DOMINION PLANTS REQUISITIONED IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18, It was announced to-day by the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, that a special munitions production section of the Supply Department had been set up with Mr E. T. Spidey, superintendent of the Government railway workshops, as controller, assisted by' an expert committee. The principal engineering undertakings throughout the Dominion will be used to their capacity in the production of munitions and the requirements of the armed services. Plant in the railway workshops will be requisitioned, and in private engineering establishments the plant will also be requisitioned for munitions production. Where the necessary raw material is available production will start at once. The items to be manufactured include steel helmets, grenades, mortars and projectiles, and Bren gun carriers, The manufacture of small tanks and anti-aircraft guns is under consideration. CONTROL OF INDUSTRY REQUISITIONING OF PROPERTY OBLIGATIONS ON OWNERS (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18. Under regulations which were gazetted to-day giving the Minister of Supply powers to control industries the Minister may declare any industry to be a controlled industry and while such declaration is in effect no person may commence in the industry without the consent of the Minister. Every proprietor in an. industry shall carry on in the industry and conduct his business in accordance with the direction of the Minister. In the case of controlled undertakings the Minister may appoint a person to manage the business and such persons will be able to carry on the whole or any part of an undertaking and shall while doing so be deemed as acting as the agent or agents of the proprietor except that the proprietor shall not have any right to control the carrying on of the undertaking or part thereof as the case may be. Under the regulations dealing with the requisition or purchase of property, the Minister of Supply is authorised to take possession of or requisition any land' or buildings, parts of buildings, goods, chattels, or machinery. Special provision is made that no obligation or limitation imposed on the proprietor of any undertaking by any act or contract shall prevent or excuse the proprietor from complying with any directions of the Minister. The appointment of advisory bodies is envisaged in the regulations. These may be appointed to advise the Minister on any relevant matters. Companies breaking the Supply Regulations will be liable to a fine not exceeding £IOOO and persons breaking them will be liable to a fine not exceeding £2OO, or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or both fine and Imprisonment. SHIPPING PRECAUTIONS ENSURING SAFETY OF VESSELS DANGEROUS GOODS BANNED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTpN. June 18. Discussing -the Shipping Safety Emergency Regulations, which were made last week, the Minister of Customs, Mr Nash, said that shippers, of cargo and ships’ stores would require to make a declaration that the goods being shipped were not such as would constitute a danger to the ship, its cargo, passengers and crew, and that all precautions had been taken to ensure that such goods did not contain any dangerous grticle or substance. Every endeavour would be made, said Mr Nash, to deal with cargo expeditiously and to avoid any delays, but smooth operation of the supervision would depend largely on the co-operation of the shipping community. The regulations, he continued, also applied to passengers’ luggage, and this would require to be passed for shipment, but the declaration made by shippers of cargo and stores would not be required from passengers, who, however, would be required to present their baggage for passing and examination if required well in advance of scheduled sailing times. - . Shippers and merchants, Mr Nash said, would readily appreciate the necessity for taking all precautions to ensure the safety of ships and produce, and he was sure the Government would have everyone’s hearty cooperation in this important matter.

STRICT MEASURES TAKEN SUPERVISION OF FINANCES POWER OF SUMMARY ARREST (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18. An amendment on the Public Safety Emergency Regulations empowers the Attorney-general to declare any organisation to be subversive if he is satisfied that any of its purposes, methods, or activities have a subversive tendency or may be injurious to the public safety or likely to lead to attempts to influence the public, the Government, or any local authority or public body otherwise than by lawful and constitutional means. Where an organisation is declared subversive no person may summon, conduct, attend, or invite any other person to attend a meeting proposed to be held for the purposes of the organisation. nor may anyone use or let any premises for the purposes of the organisation, or display any notice or sign indicating that the ptemises .are used by it, It is also forbidden to participate in the activities of. or to aid. abet, or encourage the organisation,. anid no person may use any badge, symbol, uniform, flag, banner, or other means to Identify himself with, or express approval of it. Regulation four of the principal regulations applies to a subversive Organisation. It prohibits the furnishing of money to such an organisation, and enables the Commissioner of Police to stop a bank account to which he suspects. moneys have been paid for subversive purposes. Where an organisation is declared subversive payment may be made to any creditor, not being an officer or member of the organisation, for any debt lawfully incurred before it was declared subversive, or to such patriotic purposes within the meaning of the Patriotic Purposes Regulations 1939 as are approved by the Attorneygeneral, but otherwise shall not be made without the Attorney-generaFs consent. The Attorney-general may. if necessary, appoint a receiver of all moneys held by or on behalf of the organisation. There is provision for arresting without warrant any person found' committing an offence against these amending regulations, and a penalty is provided of imprisonment not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding £SO for a breach of the regulations.