STUDENTS IN ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24850, 25 February 1942, Page 4

STUDENTS IN ARMY

SERVICE POSTPONEMENTS NEW POLICY ANNOUNCED SPECIALIST TRAINING PLAN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. The Minister of National Service, Mr R. Semple, announced to-night that because of the seriousness of the international situation it was not possible to continue the arrangement by which University students generally were permitted to undertake training during the vacations. "It is intended," Mr Semple said. " that in future University courses will be designed, not only for training of specialist personnel, but also for giving general scientific training to selected men to fit them for the conditions of the present mechanised war. To this end the University colleges will give special attention to the training of an adequate supply of such men to meet the needs of the armed forces and essential civilian requirements." Change of Course if Required Mr Semple explained that, with this end in view, a postponement of military service could be granted only to approved students on- the following conditions:— 1. That the student is willing to change his course, if required to do so, the better to qualify him for specialist service with the armed forces. ■ v 2. That the student is prepared to undertake such military training during the course of his studies as is required of him and can conveniently be arranged during week-ends and vacations. 3. That he diligently pursues the studies for the purposes mentioned. 4. That he shall be released for full-time service with the armed forces at any time if required. Students coming within the scope of the new policy will be notified as soon as possible by the Director of National Service that appeals are being lodged on their behalf, but they will be given an opportunity of notifying the director if they prefer to continue military training. Selected Students The actual decision on appeals rests with the Armed Forces Appeal Boards or the M«n-power Committees, but these tribunals have been recommended to grant sine die postponements of full-time military service in respect of selected students. If any of the students concerned for whom appeals are successful are already in a military camp, steps will be taken to obtain their release to enable them to return to the University. Students who are not yet 18 years of age or are unfit for military service are advised to continue their studies, and their cases will be considered if and when they are later passed fit for service.