FIT MEN MUST SERVE.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 233, 4 November 1940, Page 4

FIT MEN MUST SERVE.

IN view of the forthcoming sitting of the District Manpower Committee in Whakatane, it is interesting to note the manner in which appeals in other centres have been dealt with. From the findings in practically all centres it is obvious that the committees have their instructions which arc directed at finding the required number of men for military training at all costs. Only the most urgent cases of emergency appear to be considered as just and reasonable grounds for the exclusion of a fit man from compulsory military service. With such a large percentage of dairy farmers in this area, it is likely that the number of appeals for postponement will be considerable but we have it on record from the Waikato Committee 'that as every fit man in the Dominion will have to undergo military training sooner or later, even farm hands could not expect exemption. No power is given the committees to grant an appeal, the manner of adjudication being to adjourn the case for a definite period. While an appeal stands adjourned the reservist concerned will not be called up, but»appeals adjourned sine die, will be revewed at periods not exceeding six months. It is noteworthy that the appeals on behalf of policemen and members of the clergy have been adjourned sine die. The general attitude appears to be that in these times it is necessary for every one to make sacrifices ; and that only extreme cases should be brought forward for consideration by the Advisory Committee. It is more than probable where hardship on farms is concerned that reservists will be given the alternative of going into ca,mp at some future date in order to escape the busy part of the season. The difficulty now facing employers is the fact that temporary hands taken ow by way of replacing men who go to camp are often hard to acquit when the time; comes. Perhaps the greatest trouble is to find replacement of any kind and 50 per cent, of the firms,to-day are operating on skeleton staffs or severe labour shortage handicaps. The new ballot is timed for release on Wednesday and it will be the endeavour of the BEACON to publish (if possible) the full district list of men called up, on the morning of announcement.