BRITISH FORCES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20049, 22 September 1939, Page 4

BRITISH FORCES

NEED OF TECHNICIANS NAVAL AND MILITARY N.Z. APPLICATIONS INVITED (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, made a statement yesterday regarding those persons who wish to proceed to the United Kingdom with the object of offering themselves for military service there. The New Zealand Government, said Mr. Fraser, had received advice from His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom that the policy in the United Kingdom is to expand by means of a controlled intake and that the British Government cannot, therefore, at present accept volunteers for either the infantry or artillery. They would, however, welcome certain classes of technical experts as follows: For naval service: (a) Telegraphists and signalmen, artificers’ scientists (electrical and wireless telephony), and skilled electrical workmen; (b), yachtsmen or ex-mercantile marine officers suitable for R.N.V.R. commissions.

For military service: (a) Electricians, fitters, mechanics, instrument mechanics, and motor transport drivers; (b) officers with qualifications as above; (c) medical officers. , Selection of Personnel

The New Zealand Government will take the necessary steps to arrange on behalf of the British Government for the selection and dispatch to the United Kingdom of suitable personnel and any person who possesses the required qualifications and who desires to offer his services for this purpose is invited to apply in the first instance to the nearest army recruiting office. Every person selected to proceed to the United Kingdom under this arrangement will he provided with free transport to the United Kingdom and will be guaranteed by the New Zealand Government at least the same treatment in respect to pay. allowances and pensions as if he had enlisted in an appropriate rank in the New Zealand forces. Any adjustment in this connection over and above the United Kingdom rates will he made in due course by payment in New Zealand. It will be understood that each case must be investigated on its merits and that a medical examination will he required in those cases considered suitable. Applicants must, therefore, not assume that their services for this purpose have been accepted until they are advised of that fact. * They should in the meantime remain in their present occupations.