TECHNICAL RATINGS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 2

TECHNICAL RATINGS

REQUIRED BY NAVY SERVICE DURING WAR APPLICATIONS INVITED (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday The United Kingdom Government has informed the New Zealand Government that it is anxious to obtain the services for the Royal Navy for the duration of the war of men qualified to hold the technical ratings of engine-room artificer, electrical artificer, shipwright, joiner, blacksmith, plumber, painter, telegraphist and signalman. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years and must possess the required technical qualifications. Making this announcement today the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, said that applications already received in response to the statement made by the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, in October had been sorted and classified, and letters had been sent from the Navy Office to all candidates who appeared likely to possess the necessary qualifications and were within the age limits laid down. Each letter was accompanied by further information and a form to be completed and returned by the candidates. Write At Once “If there are any men between 18 and 25 who desire to offer their services in one of the above technical ratings for the Royal Navy for the duration of the war who have not already applied they should write at once to the Naval Secretary, the Navy Office, Wellington, who will send them the necessary information and a copy of the form to be completed,” said the Minister. “Any men who hold these special qualifications and have already applied for naval service, but have not received a letter from the Navy Office, should write to the Naval Secretary.” Applications from seamen and stokers and from yachtsmen and e*mercantile marine officers are not at present being dealt with because particulars of qualifications, age limits, etc., have not yet been received from England. A further announcement will be made later with regard to these classes.