INTERIM N.Z. ARMY IS BEING RECRUITED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 117, 22 May 1946, Page 5

INTERIM N.Z. ARMY IS BEING RECRUITED

PLANS ANNOUNCED THOSE SEEKING RELEASE CAN GET OUT BY SEPTEMBER (P.A.) Auckland, May 21 Plans are announced for the recruiting of an interim Army in New Zealand, and for the release, by September 30, of all Army personnel in New Zealand seeking discharge. Applications for enlistment-will be received immediately by area offices from those now serving in the New Zealand Temporary Staff, and in the, mobilised section of the Territorial Force, and from civilians. As previously announced, enlistments may he up to March 31, 1948, or, if a shorter period of service is desired, up to March 31, 1947. Immediate arrangements are to be made to release, as early as possible, and not later than September 30, all personnel in New Zealand seeking discharge. Releases are to be made under the following priorities: (1) Applications for release on compassionate ground.;, personal hardship, or public inters t, will be .considered on recommendations of the National Service Department. (2) Men with overseas service of six months or more. (3) Men with more than four years’ total service. ■ (4) Married men with children. (5) Youths under 20i on August 15, 1945. (6) Persons over 35. (7) Married men without children. (8) Men with more than three years’ total service. (9) Men with more than two years’ total service. (10) Men not in the previous categories who desire release. Certain key personnel from the priorities named may be required to train replacements. Such key men are to be retained for the minimum time possible, and are to be released before September 30. Conditions of service m the interim force will be generally the same as for the New Zealand Temporary Staff. The existing pay scale will operate and it is expected that the new rate of pay will not be below the present rates, but any serviceman signed on until March 31, 1948, who is not prepared to accept the new rates may terminate his service when the old scale is no longer applicable. to him. Men accepted for the interim force will be considered for the post-war Regular Force, and may receive priority employment in this force. The period spent in the interim force will be credited with Regular Force service, and endeaevours are being made to provide _ superannuation benefits for this period. Recruits for the interim force are to be given basic training before being posted to appointments. Under the existing conditions it is stated that it is not possible to estimate the extent to which the existing establishment may be filled by interim army personnel. The question of future establishments is to be carefully examined, and recommendations are to be submitted, not later than the end of next month, to Army Headquarters concerning the minimum number of personnel considered essential until a reorganisation is made on post-war plans. Although no precise figure can be quoted, it is estimated that the interim force strength required in the Northern Military District will be about 700. The present district strength is about 1800.