ONLY 10 REGISTER IN Ist MILITARY TRAINING DRAFT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 89, 23 January 1950, Page 5

ONLY 10 REGISTER IN Ist MILITARY TRAINING DRAFT

Of the 15 inquiries made for forms for registration for. military training at Whakatane there were only ten registrations when the dead-line for the first batch was -up on Friday night. Of these ten three were Maoris, the only Maoris who have so far bothered with the registration. The Whakatane Post Office, where the applications are made, reported that had been very little interest shown on military registration. Few people seemed to be bothering about it. The first batch covers all male British subjects ordinarily resident in New Zealand who attained the age of 18 between November 1, 1949 and January 9, 1950. Other youths must register for training within 14 days of reaching 18. Chinese & Indians

The term ‘British subjects’ also covers Maoris, Chinese and Indians. Where there is any doubt at all regarding / obligation to register, the Post Office should be approached. Certain logical exemptions from service are granted under the Act. These include ministers of religion, mental defectives, blind persons and persons receiving invalid benefits under the Social Security Act. Allowance is also made for. appeals for exemption by conscientious objectors and for postponement of service where calling-up would cause undue hardship. These youths, however, must first register.