FURTHER CALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 March 1942, Page 2

FURTHER CALL

ON MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN UNDER EMERGENCY REGULATIONS ANNOUNCED BY PREMIER. TRANSFERS TO ESSENTIAL WORK. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Compulsory registration ol women of 20 and 21. years ol age and of men of 4G to 50 years of age has been ordered under the National Service Emergency Regulations. This decision of the War Cabinet was announced on Saturday by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, who said it provided for the utmost use of the manpower and womanpower of New Zealand so that, the Dominion would have its full share in the activities necessary for the defence of New Zealand and the complete defeat of the Axis Powers. "Vitally important national service will be available for men who have been found medically unfit for military service for which they were called up,” said Mr Fraser. ‘‘They will honourably serve their country in defence works and various essential war industries and other activities which link up with the main war effort. They will be really part of the national organisation for winning the war. “Men of 46 to 50 will be obliged to register for the purpose of interview, selection and direction into suitable essential work. The first class of women to be called upon to register will be those of ages 20 and 21. The general procedure for men will be by interview with the District Manpower Officer or his representative, followed by classification and direction when required. Interviews with women will bo carried out in conjunction with the AV.AV.S.A. (AVomen’s War Service Auxiliary) but directions into essential work will bo given by the District Manpower Officer, who is in touch with labour needs. “Special registrations of men in certain occupational or other groups and special directions into essential work may also arise as necessity requires. “In addition to the compulsory registration for persons in the classes mentioned, the same machinery will provide for the direction of those offering to undertake work of national importance, where they are not already engaged in it. All persons directed into essential work in terms of these new arrangements will be entitled to the full protection of the Occupational Reestablishment Emergency Regulations, 1940. in the same manner as if they had been soldiers called up for military service.

“Within a few days the method of registration will be announced.” concluded Mr Fraser. “The Government has full confidence in the people of New Zealand to recognise and appreciate the truth that every possible effort must be made to mobilise and use the full strength of the country in the strenuous fight for victory. “Every ■ possible precaution must be taken against waste or loss of labour, time and material. Every New Zealander must and will help to save New Zealand —a salvation linked up with the saving of civilisation, and to organise. so that we can co-opcrate with our Allies in the defeat of oui’ enemies and the advance to victory in the Pacific and elsewhere.”