MEN IN INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25175, 16 March 1943, Page 2

MEN IN INDUSTRY

REVIEW OF FIT RESERVISTS POSSIBLE ARMY TRANSFERS (Special) AUCKLAND, Mar. 15. It is understood that the National Service Department has the machinery in hand to effect the transfer of thousands of grade II men from the army to industry, and to replace them with grade I men who have remained in civilian life. If this operation is carried into effect it will involve a considerable amount of readjustment in industry, but it is intended to ensure that the best possible use is made of every available At man. At present there are large numbers of grade I men who are the subjects of adjourned appeals. The majority of them are in essential work and cannot be released unless their places are filled by other men. Their cases have been reviewed from time to time to explore the possibilities of releasing them for the forces. In most instances employers appearing in support of appeals under review have told the appeal boards that the acute manpower shortage and increased war contracts have made matters more difficult than when the original appeals were heard. The general policy in such cases has been to grant a further postponement. Indications are that the appeal boards will be called upon to undertake a complete survey of cases where grade I men are still in industry under adjourned appeals, and it is expected that when grade II soldiers are released their places in the army will be filled by the former reservists.