AT LONG LAST

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 197, 9 August 1940, Page 4

AT LONG LAST

THOSE who, yesterday noted the enthusiasm with which the Hon. R. Semple outlined the measures to be taken in the new comprehensive scheme for Home Defence, will realise that at long; last, what the -R.S.A. and other responsible organisations have bieen agitating for., for many months has now been realised to the full. There remains only the impatience of those who know ,the. position, and await its introduction. There will not be a single exception in this district, at least, to the call for cividian soldiers. Returned men have b6en itching to do something for months Others who Have not been able to enlist owing to their responsibilities liave., been chaffing at the apparent inability of the Government to. be fully seized with the position. Now however it appears that everyone will be given a chance to train Against the possibility of invasion of . these shores, and as the Minister stated yesterday, we should be able to give a very good; account ; of ourselves.' 1 It remains for the Minister to conduct his lightning tour of organisation, and to fix the lock! body 1 authbrfities as recruiting,,depots. They will armihg, and training of the newly fbrce ior which there need'be no conscription j qr. baUptjng . .Within a. .fortnight there should be created a determined force of something approaching 150,000 men; If these can .be armed, disciplined and grained the security of' our shores against the threat of invasion would be assured. Everyone will wish the Minister the utmost success' ip, and if he can infuse some of his own enthusiasm, into the men. of the new army, so much the better. " '