BALLOTED MEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24424, 9 October 1940, Page 6

BALLOTED MEN

PROBLEMS TO SOLVE LOW PROPORTION OF FITNESS DIFFICULTIES OF APPEALS TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT DESIRED i! (Special ro Daily Times! AUCKLAND. Oct. 8. The results of the first' day’s medical examinations of the Auckland area men drawn in the ballot for service with the Territorial Forces are not reassuring. The percentage of rejections was much higher than that during the voluntary period, and, in addition, the , number of appeals against service and for adjustment of the period of service has doubled since Saturday, and is now about 300. Although it is too early to draw definite conclusions from the medical examination results, it. is already clear that at least one problem has arisen for the Government. This concerns the men who are classified as temporarily unfit. On Monday. out of 168 examined. 56 were placed in this classification, and the question must be asked by the army how many of these men will ultimately become available for drafting to the territorials. It must be recognised that among the men balloted there is a proprrtion unwilling to serve. This has already been made clear at the Drill Hall. Is it likely that these men will take steps to have their temporary unfitness removed? As for men willing to serve, no lead has yet been given whether they must undergo medical treatment- and whether such treatment is to be at their own expense. It. is considered likely that, uhiess the expenses cf such treatment are met by the Government, the majority of the men classified -as temporarily unfit will be lost to the territorials.

The number of men immediately passed as fit for service was 68, and the number of permanently. unfit was ‘44, or slightly over 25 per cent. This percentage may possibly be , reduced by the time all the Auckland Area’s 2000 balloted men have been examined, but, under the voluntary system, the percentage of permanent rejections was at' the much lower figure of about 16Xi per cent, ■ Appeals for Postponement So far as appeals against service are concerned, it is considered, fairly natural that the , number should be large in such an area as Auckland, where the . number, of occupations directly associated with the war effort and production is greater than in many other areas. For instance, in addition to the large farming community which has been responsible for many of the appeals, there, is.a number, of.lndustrial undertakings jyjth, war .contracfc? Of the 300 appeals many do riot' claim 'permanent exemption but : father an adjustment of the period of service. Employers with members of their, staffs already serving in territorial units seek a postponement of the service of the balloted men . until their other employees have returned to civilian life. It is probable in this respect that ah exact statement of camp dates not Only for men who will be drafted to-new units but also for men required to fill existing unit shortages, would considerably help employers to decide wbat action they should take about appeals.