SERVICE BADGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 224, 20 September 1940, Page 9

SERVICE BADGE.

GOVERNMENT PLAN. POSITION UNDER BALLOT. WELLINGTON, Thursday. In view of the fact that volunteering for service in the armed forces, except to meet the limited requirements of the navy and air force> ceased on July 22, stated the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, to-day, the issue of -special volunteer badges will no longer be continued. "It will be understood, of course, that all those volunteering until July 22 to whom badges have been, or have yet to be, issued are fully entitled to wear them," said the Minister. "It should be fully realised also that to-day all eligible men are liable to selection by ballot as the time comes* for their group to be called up. It will be apparent, therefore, even to those foolish people who adopted the practice of distributing white feathers, that under the ballot there can be no slacker. From now on a badge as evidence of willingness to serve is unnecessary.

"However, there is another class of men to whom the Government desires to give a well-earned distinguishing badge—the soldier, sailor and airman disabled as the result of enemy action. We have been advised that the King has approve 1 the issue in Great Britain of a special badge bearing the cypher of the Sovereign, and of a pattern easily distinguishable from that issued in the last war to men invalided from the armed forces, merchant marine aad fishing fleets. It is proposed that thb badge be issued in similar circumstances in New Zealand, and the necessary steps are being taken to secure His Majesty's assent to this proposal. The badge will, I am sure, meet the- position adequately " declared Mr. Jones.—(Press Assn.)