A CLOSER LIAISON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25090, 4 December 1942, Page 2

A CLOSER LIAISON

ARMY AND APPEAL BOARDS RELEASE OF MEN FROM CAMP (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 3. Changes in procedure in order to effect closer co-ordination between the army and the Armed Forces Appeal Boards for the release of men for employment in industry were announced to-night by the Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones.

The Minister said it had been arranged that when an appeal board made a recommendation for a man's release it. would be immediately telegraphed to his unit, and if his release was practicable the unit commander would grant a period of provisional leave (generally 28 days), and send him to his place of employment. At the same time, notice would be sent to the appeal board so that a check could be made to ensure that the man took up the employment. The Minister explained that if the leave recommended by the board was approved by Army Headquarters, the provisional leave would be confirmed and any extension communicated to the man and the board. “ In some instances, however, it will not be practicable to grant the leave recommended,” Mr Jones said. “For example, if a man is sick on leave, or is a key man in his unit, his commanding officer will at once inform the board through the local area officer and also Army Headquarters. The case will then receive special consideration at Army Headquarters and by the Director of National Service, and a final decision will be made as soon as possible.”

Referring to the difficulties in connection with the release of key men, the Minister quoted the instructions which had been issued to unit commanders. Every reasonable effort, he said, was being made by the army to assist employers by releasing those men who could be spared, and by ensuring that as little delay as possible took place. Employers could assist materially by giving prompt notice to the local appeal board or the district man-power officer if the man did not report, or if he left his employment during his period of leave. In the latter case, prompt action would be taken to return the man to camp.