41-45 AGE GROUP

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 105, 28 January 1943, Page 3

41-45 AGE GROUP

Government’s Intention Explained

CHRISTCHURCH, January 27. The Government's intentions toward married men of the 41-45 age group were further explained by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, in a byelection address ar. St. Martin’s. They are to be given part-time training or a period in camp. He denied that any single fir men were "running about the country.” .

"When it was decided to proceed with the calling up of all men between the ages of 41 and 45 it was recognized that the whole of the age groups would not be mobilized,” said the Minister. "It was considered that the medical examination of these men should be proceeded with in order to disclose the number in each particular grade. In view of what appears to be an improvement in the war situation none of the men in this particular group will be called up for full-time military service.” A man : Because there is a by-election. ’’What it is hoped to do,” continued the Minister, "is to make provision for these men in the group who have been graded 1 and 2, as well as those who have been released for seasonal and other essential work, to undertake parttime military training, and, wherever possible, to undergo training in camp for a short period during the year. If . the nature of their employment be such that their services’ are necessary to maintain and/or increase production in any particular industry during the period arranged for camp training their exemption from attendance at camp may be granted by the manpower committee or appeal tribunal. , "It is also hoped to make possible the release of a certain number of men who. are already mobilized to meet the increasing demand of essential industries, added the Minister. "Consideration will also be given to releasing the young men of 20 years and under to enable them to continue then civil training or education,” said Mr. Jones, who remarked that all these proposals were subject, of course, to the war position not deteriorating. "To the extent that such a scheme is possible I feel sure it will be welcomed by the parents of such lads.”