FUTURE WAR SERVICE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1940, Page 8

FUTURE WAR SERVICE

By Telegraph—Press Association.

MEN DRAWN IN BALLOT

Wellington. Sept. 23. Men who are drawn in the ballot for territoriai service, which will begin tomorrow, who are passed medically fit and not exempted, will be expected to go into camp immediately. This was stated by the Minister of National Service, Mr. Semple, in an interview. Answering a number of questions about the operation of the ballot, Mr. Semple emphasised that men selected for territoriai service in thc ballot this week would not be exempt from service overseas at a later date. "Men included in the ballot next fteek for territoriai service will not be exempt from future overseas service," the Minister said. "They w' 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 approxhnately 93,000 That was the total number from which the first ballot was being taken. Further ballots to be taken would be from that division, as circumstances warranted such action. The Minister also emphasised that though the ballot this week aimed at securing 16,000 men, the plan to bring the territoriai 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. Anotlier ballot would not be needed to make uy the . required number f«r territoriai service. "Will there be another ballot before Christmas," the Minister was asked. He replied that 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 manpower committees, Mr. Semple said. . The committees would deal solely with service in the territorials, and would hear all appeals arising from the first ballot. Mr. Semple emphasised that this ballot was designed solely to bring the territoriai ocfnViiisirmerit ud to full war strength.