NOT DISCOURAGED FROM ENLISTING

Southland Times, Issue 23946, 12 October 1939, Page 4

NOT DISCOURAGED FROM ENLISTING

BASELESS RUMOURS ABOUT PUBLIC WORKS MEN

(Special to The Times) DUNEDIN, October 11.

Rumours have been in circulation that men employed on publics works undertakings have been instructed not to offer their services as volunteers in the special military force now being built up, particular reference being made to the Hollyford-Homer tunnel undertaking and the irrigation works at Rangitata in Canterbury. From inquiries made it appears quite evident the rumours have no foundation in fact', and they are given an emphatic denial by the authorities. When communicated with, the chief district public works engineer (Mr P. Keller) remarked that rumours did appear to be in existence among the workmen, from information he had received, but no one knew how they started.

“I can give these rumours a complete denial,” added Mr Keller. “No man on public works has been discouraged from enlisting, and no restrictions have been placed on any workmen, either on the Hollyford or any other public works undertaking.” The department, he continued, knew it was inevitable that men would enlist from time to time, and they were quite at liberty to do so when they wished. There was no military significance about the Homer tunnel road, which was being built solely for scenic purposes. The same complete denial of the rumours relating to the Rangitata job was also made.