APPEAL FOR HORSES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 238, 15 November 1940, Page 5

APPEAL FOR HORSES

REQUIREMENTS OF THE ARMY

COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED

An appeal to farmers and other horse owners throughout the Dominion to make horses available to the military forces Avas made by the Inspector-General, Major-Gen-eral Sir Andrew Russell, in a national broadcast. He said that some 3500 to 4000 horses Avere required for mounted rifle regiments. Of this number a small proportion Avould be pack animals.

Sir AndreAV said that the horses were required by January 15 to go into camp for two months, after Avhich they Avould be returned to their owners. Horses could be obtained by impressment, but this aa'«s not a satisfactory way. A scheme of voluntary patriotic assistance Avould be generally recognised.

Horses wanted were from 14.2 to 16 hands and up to 10 years of age. They would be required to carry up to 15st in all. O'n their being returned the owners Avould receive £5 an animal. After that the Government would have a lien over the horses, which- Avould 'to be; made a\'ailable to the Defence Department Avhen required for the duration of the AA r ar. Compensation would-be payable up to £25 for total injury when being used by the Defence Department.

Regimental officers are now touring their districts building up an organisation in each area to secure the necessary horses.

Major O. Henry, E.D., Officer Com manding the Auckland. (East Coast) Mounted Rifles visited. Whakatane on- Thursday when he arranged Avith Mr A. Thompson, care of the Rangitaiki Dairy Company, Lt, Mulhern of Otakiri, and Sgt D. E. Pearce of Dalgety and Co., to act as a committee to Avorlt the district. Their , area consists of all property between the Otamarakau River and Ohope. Horse oAvners Avilling to make animals available are Urged to notify any of the above gentlemen.