The new Military Service Bill which Sir Auckland Geddes was
in- troducing would, he explained, abolish the two months' exemption enjoyed by certain men in certified occupations. It would also en- able the Department to withdraw certificates of exemption granted on occupational grounds. Over a million men held such certificates ; many men not employed on work of national importance had gained these exemptions through influence. Reviewing the industrial demand for more labour, the Minister said that 320,000 men and 119,000 women were now required for Government work. The re- EPonse to the appeal for shipyard labour, which came first of all, Was gratifying but was still insufficient Shipping was the vital problem. "Upon our failure to -solve it our enemies are staking
everything." The Minister explained how those who had lost their employment in the less essential trades were being drafted to muni- tion works, and how discharged soldiers and men in low medical categories were being given work of national importance. Aliens must obtain permits to be employed in certain unessential trades. Enemy aliens, if physically capable, must do work of national im- portance or be interned. National Service, the Minister concluded, "if it is to be anything at all, is the spirit of willingness and deter- mination. animating the nation."
