HOME SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2986, 25 January 1917, Page 4

HOME SERVICE

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Could you kindly enlighten me on one or two points? If a man is selected in tho ballot, and, after examination, is rejected, will lie be called up for home service or any other service? If, for homo service, what duties will he have to perform? This is a matter of very real importance to many of us, as wo may have business obligations, etc., and I. have never been able to obtain a clear statement of the Government's intentions.—l am, etc., ONE WHO HAS BEEN ALREADY REJECTED. [This question was referred to the Minister of Defence (tho Hon. J. Allen), who slated that a final definition of home service could not bo given at the present stage. A man who had been, rejected as unfit for service in the field could not be regarded as.oxempt from further- demands. The State might require his services later in order to_ relieve some fit man for the firing-line. Already the Defence Department had asked for volunteers from among rejected men to ' m/dertako clerical and other duties in the military camps, and so releaso fit men. The measures taken in this connection would depend.upon the duration of the war, and the extent of the drain upon the manhood of the nation.]