THE HOME GUARD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 245, 4 December 1940, Page 5

THE HOME GUARD

AREA COMMANDER'S VISIT

LOCAL O.C. APPOINTED

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FORMED

Delegates representing the areas into which the county had been divided), together with the borough committee, attended at the County Chambers last night for the purpose of forming a Whakatane Central Home Guard Committee. Major J. H. Herroldi, of Rotorua, No. 2A Area commander, addressed the meeting. Following the forma-

tion of an executive commit* tee, comprising county- and borough representatives, and of which Mr F. W. K. Raymond was; elected chairman, Mr L. B. Savage was appointed district Home Guard commander for the Whakatane County and Borough this appointment being subject to confirmation.

Very little lead had been given to him in the matter, said Major Hcrrold, and he considered that the only way to get movement was by those concerned acting on their own responsibilities. In the absence of rules or guidance he would take it upon himself to decide what should be done and he would regard the Home Guard scheme, and its application, as military matter.

Arms and Uniforms. The following executive committee was formed: Messrs F» W. K. Raymond (chairman), W. Sullivan, C. W. Clark, C. H. Christensen, S. S. Shapley, L. B. Savage, and A. Bridger (Borough), A. O. Meredith (Manawalio), F. J. Burt (Matata), W. Murray, F. J. Reynolds and L. W. Luxton (Edgeeumbe), G. Hewitt (Waimana), A. K. Prince (Taneatua),. Messrs J. L. Burnett and 8., S. Barry were appointed as ex-officio members. Upon the committer's formation Major Herrold said: "You have taken a load off my shoulders to-night. When I first took it up my task seemed huge but it is eased by such splendid •. co-operation." Major Herrold added that he had it 'on good authority' that there was a possibility of the Home Guard being armed by the end of March* 4< Not only armed, but possibly in uniforms as well—and then we will feel like soldiers."

. On the motion of Mr Raymond, seconded by Mr Burnett, Mr Savage was nominated as the district's commander. Mr G. Usher was appointed secretary. Recommendation to Minister. A subject which aroused much interest was introduced by Mr Hewitt, who said that as the work of the area and district commanders necessitated full time attention and it would be necessary for them ro travel over their provinces, they should be .paid by the Government. "If the Government has not tlie money it might .be possible to put off some from Public Works—or the miners might do a bit more." he said, and moved that it ba a recommendation to the Minister of Defence that local and area commanders should be paid for their services. Put to the meeting, the motion was carried.