CUTS IN SERVICES

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22690, 18 August 1945, Page 6

CUTS IN SERVICES

FORCES INJOMINION TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY ESSENTIAL GROUPS FIRST (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Saturday The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, announced today that the procedure to be adopted in the release of personnel from the armed forces serving in New Zealand had been decided upon. This would provide for priority to be given to the release of persons whose services were urgently required in, essential employment and particularly for farming and food production, timber and coal production, etc., to be followed by releases on the basis of length of service, maritai status and age. Mr Fraser said that in view of the cessation of hostilities it would be possible immediately to begin demobilisation of the armed forces in New Zealand. Already in the case of the army this had proceeded some distance. There were, however, certain essential services which must be maintained in New Zealand for some time to come. For example, staffs must be provided to ensure that demobilisation was done efficiently, to afford necessary services for personnel serving overseas, to maintain and protect equipment and to guard prisoner of war camps. Demobilisation would be progressive but would be effected with all possible despatch. Order of Priority The first to be released were persons whose services were urgently required in one of the following essential groups: Farming, dairy factories, shearers, musterers, electricians, plumbers, painters, carpenters, sawmill workers and coalminers. Releases will, at the same time, proceed in the following order of priority: First, those with four years’ service; secondly, married men with children; thirdly, youths under 20 years and 6 months; fourthly, persons over 35. The Prime Minister also stated that the Government was making every effort to secure shipping for the early return of men in the United Kingdom and Middle East.