FUTURE ARMY BALLOTS

Southland Times, Issue 24649, 22 January 1942, Page 6

FUTURE ARMY BALLOTS

AGE GROUPS MAY BE CALLED

(Special) CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 21. The possibility that future ballots will call men for military service according to their age groups was mentioned in an interview yesterday by the Minister of National Service (the Hon. R. Semple). He made it clear, however, that the method to be adopted for future ballots had not been definitely determined. Asked if later Army reinforcements would be conscripted according to age or family groups, Mr Semple said: “I think they will be called up in age groups. It seems to be the only way to call men for service, but I should say that the question of family responsibility will have to be considered as well as the age category.” A complete survey of man-power was prepared by the National Service Department some months ago, said the Minister. An analysis of all man-power available, divided into age groups and family groups, had been made, and the information would assist in determining which would be the better method of calling up. POSITION OF MEN

No action needs to be taken by married men called in yesterday’s ballot until advice is received from the Army Department. Medical examination is the first step after the serving of calling-up notices, and this will be carried out with as little delay as possible. In the meantime no man called up needs to do anything in the matter unless he is making application to join the Air Force, when the authorities should be advised as soon as possible. Notices to attend medical parade will be sent out from the local registration offices as soon as the list of names in the ballot has been purged. When the Medical Board begins its sittings it will continue to sit until the entire ballot, which is one of the largest the authorities have yet been called upon to handle, has been disposed of. This is likely to take some time, and a number of notices to attend medical parade may not be circulated for a while.