RECRUITING BOARD

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2692, 11 February 1916, Page 6

RECRUITING BOARD

THE ISSUE OP ARM-BADGES

DESIGNS AGREED UPON

Considerable interest has been aroused by the decision of the Recruiting Board to issue distinctive arm badges in connection with their scheme of enlistment. At a meeting of tho board yesterday the colour and the design of the badges were considered, and it was agreed to issuo four distinctive arm badges to cover the following classes: —

(1) For men who have enlisted and are waiting to be called up for training—a khaki arm badge embossed with a red crown.

(2) For men honourably discharged from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, a scarlet badge embossed with a yellow crown.

(3) For men who have offered to serve but have been rejected as unable to fulfil Defence Department requirements, a French grey arm badge embossed with a light green crown.

(4) For men who have been retained for service in the Dominion for the manufacture, production, or other reasons, a light blue arm badge embossed with a whito crown.

Khaki has been selected as the colour for the men enlisted aad waiting to be called up, as emblematical of tlio uniform they are soon to wear; and scarlet for the men honourably discharged, as the colour typical of honourable distinction in military rank.

Tho necessary regulations concerning tho gazetting of the badges under the War Regulations Act, 1914, are now being prepared, and the Order-in-Council bringing them into force will probably be passed to-day. The badges for the respective classes are now being made, and it is expected they will be ready for issuo as soon as t'liey have been gazetted.

The regulations will provide for the issue of a "card of authority" to the wearer of each badge. It will contain particulars as to the person to whom it is issued, and the reason for which it is issued; and every person to whom any badge lias been given must at all times while wearing it, or having it in his possession, carry this "card of authority," and produce it on request of any military officer or constable for inspection.

The regulations will also provide that no person shall have lawful authority to supply any such badge to any person not authorised to wear it; or to wear or issue any badge so nearly resembling tho one approved by the Defence au° thorities as to be calculated to deceive. Any person committing a breach' ot these regulations will be liable to penalties provided in the War Regulations Act, 1914.

It will he necessary for everv person who is now entitled to a badge to apply for one. They will be issued free. The badge for men honourably discharged will be issued by the Director of tho Base Records, Brandon Street, Wellingand those for men enlisted and waiting to .be called up, or rejected as unablo to come, up to Defence Department requirements, or exempted for eenice, will be issued by the Defence Officers commanding the military districts. Tile badge for the men whoso services have -been retained in the Dominion in_ every case be issued after investigation by and on the authority of the Minister for Munitions nnd Supplies (the Hon. A. M. Myers).