FIT SINGLE MEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24721, 25 September 1941, Page 6

FIT SINGLE MEN

RELEASE FOR SERVICE OVERSEAS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY (0.C.) WELLINGTON. Sept. 24. The firm ! intention of the Government that fit single men should not purposely be kept back from the Expeditionary Force without full and valid reasons was announced by the Minister of Defence. Mr F. Jones, today, when referring to the establishment of territorial cadres. “.What is.being aimed at in the establishment of cadres is the training of the territorials as far as possible to the standards of the Expeditionary Force." Mr Jones said. “It is realised that this will take time and that some members of the territorials will become eligible for overseas service. It must not be forgotten that many in the cadres may not be old enough for foreign service, but as these qualify to go overseas their places will be taken by men'they have trained.

“ The action already taken in employing women in various capacities in the R.N.Z.A.F., for instance, is evidence of the Government's intention to release single fit men for service where it is satisfied that their duties can be carried out by women.” Mr Jones added. “It is evidence, too. that there is no idea of enabling, single fit men to escape their obligations in any way.'”