ENLISTMENT REFUSED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21155, 3 July 1940, Page 9

ENLISTMENT REFUSED

MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH IMPORTANT LOCAL SERVICE (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday The Christchurch man-power committee has in the meantime refused the enlistment of the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr R. M. MacFarlane, M.P., for service overseas. This was announced to-day by the chairman of the committee, Mr J. S. Barnett, who is at the moment an inmate of the Christchurch Public Hospital. According to his statement the commitee made its decision “in the public interest,” considering that in the meantime the services of the Mayor could best be used locally. ‘‘l did not expect to hear this decision from the man-power committee and I am naturally disappointed, having made all arrangements preparatory to being called up,” said Mr MacFarlane, “but of course there are still other channels open to me. At the same time, I think I can say that the work I have been doing and the work I am doing now as Mayor of Christchurch is of some national importance. “The position has been somewhat complicated by the introduction of conscription, in that married men must now take their turn in the ballot. I hope in the meantime that it will be possible for me to do my bit, perhaps in the territorials or in some other branch of home defence.”