THE BALLOTS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1917, Page 3

THE BALLOTS

Alteration to be Made [rEB PBESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT). Wellington, Jan 17 The Minister of Defence (Hon James Alleu) stated to-day that the Government had decided to set up four new military service boards, in order to clear up a certain amount of conjestioa which has aiis?n from the fact that the machinery fur dealing with appsala for exemption was not in perfect working order at the start. The Government had already set up two additional madioal boards and was going to set up two more. It was realised there was no time between the ballot and the calling of the men into camp to allow of appsals being heard, to have medical examinations and to give the men reasonable time co put their affairs in order before leaving their employment or giving tip business. The Government therefore, was adopting a scheme whereby it would get two months ins'ead of only one as at present between the ballot and the calling up of the men.

The personnel of the new boards has not been deoidod noon yet, but the Minister expressed the bnpe that the new beard would be only temporary. Although the next ballot would" ba taken for two lots of men it woold be merely to put the Government into the convenient position of having two months instead of one between the ballot and the men s u,oing into camp.