FIRST BALLOT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21222, 19 September 1940, Page 8

FIRST BALLOT

16,000 FOR SERVICE START NEXT TUESDAY HAMILTON DISTRICT 2000 PROCEDURE DESCRIBED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday A ballot to select recruits for the Territorial Forces will commence next Tuesday, September 24, said the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, in a statement today. He added that the total number of reservists to be selected for service was 16,000. It was estimated that the work could not be completed before the'end of next week. The total of 16,000 would be made up of district quotas as follows: Auckland, 2000; Paeroa, 1350; Whangarei, 1450. Hamilton, 2000; Wellington, 1900; Wanganui, 750. Napier, 1000; New Plymouth, 1000; Nelson, 750. Christchurch, 1900; Dunedin, 900; Invercargill, 1000. The procedure to be followed, said Mr Semple, while simple and practical, had been subject to a great deal of thought and careful planning to ensure absolute fairness. The proceedings would be under the supervision of a stipendiary magistrate and in the presence of a representative of the Police Department. Arrangement of Cards The Minister explained that every First Division reservist was represented in the register by a typewritten card containing his full name, address, age, occupation and registration number, besides other particulars. These cards were arranged in trays of 500 each in alphabetical order. Two ballot boxes would be used, the first to determine the order in which the trays would be placed on the tables, and the second to decide the cards which would be drawn from the trays. Before putting the marbles in the ballot boxes they would be exhibited in trays so that the magistrate and other officials might assure themselves that no number had been omitted. The ballot for the position of the trays having been carried out, the marbles for the«cards, which would be numbered from 1 to 500, would be put into the second ballot box, which would be revolved and one withdrawn. It would be chalked up on a blackboard, and then attendants would select the apnropriate card without, however, withdrawing it, so that its identity could be determined even from the front of the tray. After six marbles had been withdrawn from the ballot box, responsible officers would pass down the rows of trays, and after satisfying themselves that the correct cards had been turned up they would wholly withdraw them, replacing each one with a blank card.

“When it anpears that the auota for a certain district has been filled,” said Mr Semple, “a careful count will be made of the cards removed from the trays. This being found correct, the registration numbers and names of the reservists drawn will be recorded by means of a dictaphone. “Lists of the names and addresses of the men called un will then be prepared for publication in the Gazette, and individual notices to the reservists concerned will be despatched by registered post. Publication of Lists “The Gazette will contain the ballot and copies will be available for inspection by the public at post offices throughout the Dominion, while newspapers will publish lists for the districts in which they circulate.” Mr Semple again stressed the necessity for reservists notifying changes of address, and with regard to appeals said that reservists having been drawn in the ballot and wishing to appeal must do so within 10 days of the Gazette notice; that was, not later than October 12. Appeals against territorial service must be sent to the Secretary of the Manpower Committee for the district in which the appellant resided.

VOLUNTEER BADGES

ISSUE DISCONTINUED SPECIAL FOR DISABLED MEN (By Telegrapn.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday In view of the fact that volunteering for service in the armed forces except to meet limited requirements of the Navy and Air Force, ceased on July 22, stated the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, to-day, the issue of special volunteer badges will not be continued. It will be understood, of course, that all those volunteering until July 22, to whom badges. have been or are yet to be issued, are fully entitled to wear them. It should be fully realised also that to-day all eligible men are liable for selection by ballot as the time comes for their group to be called up. It will be apparent, therefore, even to •those foolish people who adopted the practice of distributing white feathers, that under the ballot there can be no slackers from now on. A badge as evidence of willingness to serve is unnecessary. Well-earned Right However, there is another class of man to whom the Government desires to give a well-earned distinguishing badge—the soldier, sailor or airman disabled as a result of enemy action. “We have been advised,” said Mr Jones, “that the King

has approved the issue in Britain of a special badge, bearing the cypher of the Sovereign and of a pattern easily distinguishable from that issued in the last war, to men invalided from the armed forces, the merchant marine and fishing fleets. “It is proposed that the badge be issued in similar circumstances in New Zealand and the necessary steps are being taken to secure His Majesty's assent to this proposal. The badge will, I am sure, meet the position adequately.”