MEN FOR SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1941, Page 5

MEN FOR SERVICE

MOBILISATION IN BRITAIN STRICTER TESTS OF ESSENTIAL WORK. I\ IA XIM UM EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. April 9. A revised schedule of reserved occupations which is part of the general plan for mobilising the whole manpower and woman-power of the nation imposes a stricter application of the test of essential work for the retention of men in industry. The main purposes are to release men for service in the armed forces and to increase Hie number of men doing essential civilian work.

The governing principle is that men of military age should be reserved only if the work in which they are engaged is of national importance and they are personally indispensable. A memorandum states: “A young man should not be kept even at armaments work which could be done by an older man or a woman. Nothing a woman can do or learn to do. however important, should be allowed to absorb any man of military age." I! is proposed in agricultruc to preserve practically the whole of the present labour force, at least (ill after the harvest, but some men will be surrendered to the forces in October.

A special effort will be made in coalmining to build up a large reserve of coal, for which reason mon will be kept in Government departments, instead of raising the present ages for reservation. an independent committee will specially scrutinise the position and recommend the release for the forces of all men who can bo replaced by older men or by women.