A PASSING HINT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 194, 2 August 1940, Page 4

A PASSING HINT

EMPLOYERS of labour the Dominion over would welcome a statement from the powers that be setting out the probable date for mobilisation of the men who have enlisted for service in the fourth and succeeding echelons. Thousands of young men who have volunteered are waiting the can to service and the uncertainty of the position from an industrial point of view is likely to have a far-reaching effect unless some sort of a guide is given employees as to the Government's Intentions regarding their training. All over the country, the question is being asked How long will we have so-and-so with us? Should we be making provision for his replacement .immediately?" No firm would willingly dispose of the services of a valued member who/had elected to serve his country, and the chances of several months elapsing before the new volunteers will be needed makes it doubly desirable that as many as possible be retained in their present positions!. But should these thousands be suddenly called to the colours for mass training under the strain of sudden emergency the effect would probably spell the temporary dislocation of commercial and. industrial life throughout the country. In the interests of the men themselves it would be most desirable to give some indication of a probable date, either by adopting a series of classes or by district boundaries, in order that they may put their own affairs in order. But the most important aspect is undoubtedly the effect upon the country's activities unless some definite advice as to when the men will be required for training is given. Employers generally can be relied upon to give the volunteers every consideration by way of constant work up to the time of their call to camp, but while the position remains in the air the very uncertainty of the situation makes the jobs of thousands of young men. unsafe. The announcement of a programme covering the military training of the balance of the volunteers would enable employers to make alternative arrangements for the replacement of the men concerned and thus make it possible to carry on the business of the- country on something approaching normal Vines. It would be warmly welcomed by the country at the present time.