THE "FAMILY SHIRKER."

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1917, Page 2

THE "FAMILY SHIRKER."

HOW HE IS DEALT WITH. ,The total number called up undei the "Family Shirker" section (35) of the Military Service Act is 2851, and the Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) gave a reporter full particulars of how they are dealt with. To begin with, lie stated that 707 of the 2851 had been struck off for various reasons; 102 had not yet liad notices served upon them. That left 2042 to be accounted for. First, as to the 707. Of these, 29 enlisted before the Act came into operation, and 211 had enlisted since. Of these, 130 were passed at fit, and 75 were turned down as unfit. In 302 cases the men were removed from the operation of the Act owing to their brothers having enlisted. Fifty-nine were drawn in tho ballot, so that there was no need to serve notices upon them; 73 were represented under the headings of ''Deaths," "Over Age" Under Age," or married men or men in gaol, etc. Thirty-three have not yet been found. As to the remaining 2042, there are in camp at present 403, and 118 are due to go into camp at different dates. For-ty-one have (foiled to report for medical examination, and 3GO are due for medical examination; 204 are reported on as medically unfit. In 393 cases appeals have been allowed or adjourned sine die; 519 have been adjourned "not yet disposed of," making up the total of 2042. In regard to the balance "not yet disposed of," it may be added that some of the notices have only just gone out. They will be dealt with as soon as possible.

"I think,* said the Minister, "that the public ought to be satisfied that the Government lias lost no tin* in dealing with the men who come under section 35 of the Act. I hope the result will be a feeling of general satisfaction in the Government's administration qf the Act."