FURLOUGH PARTY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 6, 2 October 1943, Page 4

FURLOUGH PARTY

Some May Remain In New Zealand MARRIED MEN WITH CHILDREN All Servicemen Over 41 The War Cabinet has decided that, with the exception of certain officers, married men with children in the Middle East furlough party at present in New Zealand and all men of 41 years and over are to be retained in New Zealand unless they desire to return. Making this announcement yesterday the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, said that subject to their being passed fit the balance of the men would return to the Middle East at the expiration of their leave, which had been extended lo the end of October. The Prime Minister said that as a result of an exchange of views with General Sir Bernard Frcyberg. the War Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday had discussed the return to service with the Second Division of the men in the furlough draft. “Providing always that circumstances, and particularly shipping, make it possible, ij&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. It. will be appreciated that the retention in New Zealand of any large number of experienced and battletrained men would prejudice the return to New Zealand on furlough of further men who are entitled to similar consideration and would at the same time seriously affect the efficiency of our magnificent division.”

War Cabinet had now decided, Mr. Fraser added, that, with the exception of certain officers, warrant officers, n.c.o.’s, specialists, and tradesmen, all married men with children, and all men of 41 years of age and over, should be retained in New Zealand and placed on leave without pay, but that any man within these classes who desired to return with the draft could elect to do so. Similar conditions 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. The balance of the furlough men were to be medically examined. and, if passed lit, would return to the Middle East at ’the expiration of their leave. “It was further decided, said Mr. Fraser, “that' all officers, warrant officers, n.e.o.’s, specialists, and tradesmen, whether married or single, and married men without children and single men may, on grounds of undue personal hardship, apply to remain in New Zealand. These applications should'be in writing to Army Headquarters, which will refer, them to the appropriate Armed Forces Appeal Boards for hearing. In accordance with existing practice the appeal boards’ recommendations’ will he forwarded to the Army for consideration. “Men who remain in New Zealand under this scheme may be directed to work of national importance. Leave for the furlough draft now in New Zealand will bo extended till the end of October, or such time thereafter as may bo necessary, to enable medical examination to be completed and for consideration of applications by appeal boards from those who desire to remain in New Zealand.”