RETURN OF MEN ON FURLOUGH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 13, 8 October 1943, Page 5

RETURN OF MEN ON FURLOUGH

RETENTION OF SOME STILL IN DOMINION

"Following an exchange of views with Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, the War Cabinet has discussed the return to service with the Second Division of the men in the furlough draft." staled the. Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser.

'"Provided always that circumstances, and particularly shipping, made it possible, it is the Government's intention," said Mr Fraser, "that furlough for men in the second N.Z.E.F. should be regarded as a continuous scheme, ft Avill be appreciated that the retention in New Zealand of any number of experienced and battle-trained men Avould prejudice the return to Ncav Zealand on furlougli of further men avlio are entitled to similar consideration and at the same time Avould Seriously affect the efficiency of .our magnificent Division.

"Tlie AVar Cabinet has now decided that with the exception of certain officers, Avarrant officers, .noncommissioned officers, specialists and tradesmen, all married men Avitb children and all men of 41 years of age and over should be retained in New Zealand and placed on leave Avitliout pay, l)ut that any men within those classes desiring to return Avith the draft, could elect to do so.'"

Mr Fraser added that similar con- £ ditions -would apply to Maoris, who in any case -were'not liable for compulsory service and who under this scheme would have, the opportunity of volunteering to return. Provision for Appeal Tlie balance of the furlough men, continued Mr Fraser. would be medically examined and if passed lit would return to the. Middle East at the expiration of tlieir leave. It was also decided that all warrantofficers, N.C.O.'s, specialists and tradesmen, ■ whether married or single, and. married men without children and single, men might, on the grounds of undue personal hardship, apply to remain in New Zealand. These appeals should be in writing to Army Headquarters, which would refer them to the appropriate armed forces appeal board for hearing. Ln accordance with the existing practice, the appeal board's recommendations would be forwarded to the Army for consideration. Men Avho remained in New Zealand might be directed to Avork of national importance. Leave for tlie furlough draft now in New Zealand would be extended till the end of October., or such time thereafter as might be necessary to enable the medical examination to be completed, and for the consideration of applications by appeal boards for those desiring to remain in New Zealand.