ROOM IN ARMY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20916, 22 September 1939, Page 9

ROOM IN ARMY

TECHNICAL EXPERTS SERVICE IN BRITAIN OTHERS NOT NOW RE-QUHR'ED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday The acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, mad© a statement today regarding those persons who wish to proceed to the United Kingdom with th© objecting of offering themselves for military service there. “The New Zealand Government,” said Mr Fraser, “has received advice from His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom that the policy in the United Kingdom is to expand by means of controlled intake and that the British Government cannot therefore accept volunteers for either the infantry or the artillery. They would, however, welcome’ certain classes of technical experts, as follows:-; — “For Naval Service. — (a) Telegraphists and signalmen, artificers, scientists (electrical and wireless telephony), and skilled electrical workmen; (b) yachtsmen or exmercantile marine officers suitable for R.N.V.R. commissions. “For Military Service.— (a) Electricians, fitters, mechanics, instrument mechanics and motor transport drivers; (b) officers with qualifications as above; (c) medical officers. “The New Zealand Government will take the necessary steps to arrange on behalf of the British Government for the selection and despatch to the United Kingdom of suitable personnel,” Mr Fraser added, “and any person who possesses the required qualifications and who desires to offer his services for this purpose is invited to apply in the first instance to the nearest army recruiting office. Pay and Allowances “Every person selected to proceed to the United Kingdom under ttiis arrangement will be provided with free transport to the United Kingdom and be guaranteed by the New Zealand Government at least the same treatment in respect of pay, allowances and pensions as if he had enlisted in his appropriate rank in the 'New Zealand forces. Any adjustment in this connection over and above the United Kingdom rates will be made in due course by payment in New Zealand. “It will be understood that each case must be investigated on its merits and that a medical examination will be required in those cases considered suitable. Applicants must therefore not assume that their services for this purpose have been accepted until they are advised of that fact. They should in the meantime remain in their present occupations.”