MEN FOR NAVY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 8

MEN FOR NAVY

BRITAIN’S REQUIREMENTS NUMBER TO BE SENT OVERSEAS THIRD ECHELON NEARLY FILLED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday Reviewing the progress of recruiting at the conference of delegates today, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, said the total registrations to date were 27,341. Of these 17,701 were passed fit, 4201 were awaiting examination, 13,759 were posted to camps, and there were 2125 fit available for the third echelon. It was estimated that there 2940 fit in those to be examined, giving a total 5065 available for the third echelon. Consequently only 753 were required to complete it. The Maori Battalion was in camp, and there had been a wonderful response for men for the Railway and Forestry companies.

In addition to men wanted for the Army, New Zealand was supplying men for the Air Force. Already 4300 had applied for positions as pilots, air gunners and observers, and 200 had been interviewed; 849 were passed as fit, and 251 temporarily unfit. By the end of October 643 would have been sent to Britain as fully trained men, and towards the end of the year others would be sent to Canada to complete their trr/lning.

Great Britain bad also asked for men for the Navy, and New Zealand would have supplied them, but it was not till a few days ago that the requirements were known. Arrangements were now being made to send R.N.V.R. men, mechanicians, tradesmen and a small number of yachtsmen overseas. He could not say where they would be going.

The main work of the committees would be to find men to complete the third echelon and reinforcements, to make good any casualties in the Second New Zealand Division.

RECRUITS’ OPPORTUNITY MEN NEEDED FOR VACANCIES An excellent opportunity for men desiring to enlis; for active service overseas has arisen in the No. 4 (Hamilton) military area. In order to fill vacancies in the second echelon and also the third echelon advance party, 25 recruits are required. The army authorities have decided to invite men desirous of being included in this special draft to communicate immediately with the Army Department, Knox Street, Hamilton. The men chosen will encamp on Friday, February 23. Immediate application will be necessary, as men will require to be medically examined before departure. ESSENTIAL WORK CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN (By TelPtrmph.—press , ssnclntlnnl WELLINGTON, Tuesday "Those men in essential occupations who are offering their services to the armed forces but at the moment cannot be replaced are again specially appealed to by the Government to assist in the huge task by sticking to their jobs until suitable men can be transferred to take their place,” said the Minister in Charge of Manpower, the Hon. P. C. Webb, at the recruiting conference to-day. “They can rest assured that their non-acceptance is purely a temporary arrangement and that advantage of their offer to serve wil lbe taken as soon as it is humanly possible to do so. “In this connection it is pointed out that postponements are continuously under review and some hundreds have already been allowed to proceed to camp as the outcome. It has been decided to issue a suitable certificate of postponement to all men who volunteer for service overseas but whose acceptance is postponed by reason of their being engaged in essential work. It is felt that such certificate should assist in preventing embarrassment to many young men who have offered their services but have not been accepted for the reason stated. PAHIATUA OPINION (By Telegraph.—Pre«s Association) PAHIATUA. Tuesday The Pahiatua Borough Council last night decided to refrain from comment on conscription, following receipt of a letter from the Defence League seeking an expression of opinion. The Mayor, Mr Siddell, said: “It seems an absurdity that we should be a„sked to say what should happen to the rest of New Zealand. Parliament is the proper place for the issue to be decided. It is not our business as a council to express an opinion.”