BRISK RECRUITING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23916, 18 September 1939, Page 8

BRISK RECRUITING

POSITION IN BRITAIN MILITIA CALLED UP THE SECOND CONTINGENT (British Official Wireless) (Unitea Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 7.20 p.m.) Notices calling up the second contingent of militiamen came into force yesterday. Throughout the day men between the ages of 20 and 21 reported at barracks in high spirits. Many were welcomed by the first contingent, which has completed its preliminary training, and is now being drafted for technical instruction. The accommodation for militiamen consists of excellent huts, and after September none will be under canvas. Many men imported one day early in case the uncertain train services made them late. Meanwhile voluntary enlistment proceeds rapidly, and regimental pools are growing fast. A great rush took place during the crisis before the declaration of war, and recruiting has now settled down to a steady stream. A feature of the formation of the reserves of manpower is the control of enlistment resulting in order and rapid training. HOUSE OF COMMONS BILL CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Sept. 15. The Control of Employment Bill, the whole object of which is to ensure full employment of labour, especially highly trained key men in the engineering industry in places where they are needed, and to ensure that if a man is displaced he must be offered suitable alternative employment, passed the third reading without a division, being virtually unopposed. . It is warmly .approved by the press. The Times describes the Bill as a non-contentious measure by reason of the acceptance of stricter assurances to trade unions which safeguard the rights of the individual workman and of organised labour. “ The result is a further demonstration of the unity and resolve that animates the whole nation,” it states. The Daily Herald, referring to highly important amendments incorporated in the Bill by consent, as the resrult of which full consultation with organised labour and the approval of Parliament are necessary before any order can be made under the Bill, says; “ They show the success that can be achieved in the interests of the common people by a strong and vigilant trade union movement during exceptional conditions of wartime.” The Daily Telegraph points out that the Bill is the “ most revolutionary measure” yet passed without opposition. The newspaper advances this as further proof of how strongly is the country united against Hitlerism. THEATRES IN LONDON RESTRICTIONS RELAXED (British Official Wireless) . RUGBY, Sept. 15. (Received Sept. 17, at 6.30 p.m.) Although night life in the West End Is still severely restricted owing to the black-out regulations, London is rapidly accommodating itself to war-time conditions. The reopening of theatres and kinemas in Central London until 6 p.m. and in other suburbs and the rest of the country until 10 p.m. marks an. important relaxation of the restrictions. This has been warmly welcomed. Modification of the lighting res trictions on vehicles also permits fi'eer movement at night, although this will be offset by the rationing of petrol, which takes effect from to-morrow week. Motorcar owners and others are looking to other methods of transport, and a heavy demand for bicycles has resulted in a rush of orders to manufacturers at a time of the year which is normally quiet in the Midlands, where the industry is largely centred. “Black-out”’ conditions have also converted cyclists, prospective and actual, to the use of rear lamps, for which there is also a great demand. INJURED CIVILIANS PENSION SCHEME IN BRITAIN (British Official Wireless) i RUGBY, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 8 p.m.) The Pensions Ministry has presented a scheme to Parliament under the Personal Injuries Act, setting out the scale of grants for civilians physically injured as a direct result of warlike operations. The provisions apply both to members of the civil defence units and civilians ordinarily and substantially dependent on their own earnings, and covers dependents if death results. Allowances will be paid weekly, with no test of means, temporary payment being due where injury causes incapacity extending over seven days. If the injury proves severe the case will be transferred to the Ministry of Pensions for the assessment of the pension and family allowances. Payments vary only with the size of the family, and whether the person is treated in the hospital or at home. For example, a man, his wife, and two children will receive 28s weekly while hospital treatment continues. The scale laid down for private soldiers varies with the actual extent of disablement, with a maximum of 32s 6d weekly, plus family allowances. Widows’ pensions are fixed at from 15s 6d to 22s 6d a week, with 5s for each child under 15 years.