THE TERRITORIALS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 253, 23 September 1940, Page 6

THE TERRITORIALS

THIS WEEK’S BALLOT.

CHOICE EEOM 93,000 MEN.

AVELLINGTON, Sept. 23. Men who are drawn in the ballot for Territorial service, which will begin to-morrow, who are passed medically, lit and not exempted, will be expected to go into camp immediately. This was stated by the Minister of National Service (Hon. R. Semple) in an interview. Answering a number of questions about the operation of the ballot, Air Semple empnasised that men selected for Territorial service in the ballot this week would not be exempt from service overseas at a later date. “Men included in the-ballot next week for Territorial service will not bo exempt front future overseas service,” the Minister said.- “They ' will be included in future ballots for overseas service. Those who are balloted on Tuesday will be" called on for medical examination immediately, and will be asked to go into camp in October. That is, they will be called on for service immediately after examination and after details such as examination and exemption are settled.” Replying to another question, Mr Semple said the number of men registered in the first division of the General Reserve was approximately 93,000. That was the total number from which the first ballot was being taken. Further ballots to be taken would bo from that division, as circumstances warranted such action.

T‘he Minister also emphasised that though the ballot this week aimed at securing 16,000 men, the plan to bring the Territorial Forces up to full strength required considerably fewer men than 16,000, and that the total aimed at took account of defections through medical unfitness and exemption because of occupational status. The 16,000 called up made full allowance for all possible exemptions. Another ballot would not be needed to make up the required number for Territorial service.

“AVill there be another ,ballot before Christmas ?” the Minister was asked. He replied t'hat any such action would be governed entirely by circumstances, but that if another ballot were found necessary it would be so arranged that very adequate notice would be given to those called up. Applications for exemption from service involved in the ballot this week will be heard by the district man-power committees, Air Semple said. The committees would deal solely with j service in the Territorials, and would hear all appeals arising from the first ballot. Air Semple emphasised that this ballot was designed solely to bring the Territorial establishment up to full war strength. "