LAST WAR VETERANS

Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 3

LAST WAR VETERANS

WHY CONSCRIPT THEM AGAIN ? [From Odb Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 8. Men who served in the last war have been recently called up in the first Territorial ballot. This was the subject of an urgent question to the Minister of National Service by Mr Lee (Grey Lynn) in the House, the member stating that some called up had had two or three years of front-line service and were well past the age for overseas service. He suggested that the regulations be amended so that these men could be exempted. “ Except a man has special qualifications, or volunteers, or passes an exhaustive examination,” added Mr Lee, “ his ago renders him unfit for overseas service. It seems ungenerous to conscript him once again to engage in elementary drill at the age of 45 years.” “ The men mentioned by Mr Lee are not being conscripted for overseas service,” replied Mr Semple, “ but a small number might be drawn for Territorial service. Each case will be dealt with in a way which will enable the men to give the country the full benefit of their knowledge and experience, “I believe that these x men,” concluded Mr Semple, “ would resent any action which may be taken to deprive them of the opportunity of making their best contribution to national defence.” Mr Poison; They don’t want to start at the bottom. Mr Lee; Why conscript them twiceF