HOME GUARD PARADE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 252, 20 December 1940, Page 4

HOME GUARD PARADE

LAST evening's parade- of members of the Home Guard should give added stimulus to the campaign for. recruits. Not that there is an anticipated shortage or reluctance to join up in this district but there is always a greater response to a cause once it has left its nebulous state of transition and given concrete evidence of its usefulness, policy and example. The parade in the hall was the first definite illustration to the general public that the Guard existed in this centre apart from committee meetings, and a steady stream of recruits is anticipated* There is every indication of a good response from the town for the average businessman, who is unaffected by the Territorial training scheme of the Overseas Ballot, has beeri eagerly awaiting the opportunity to 'do something!' It has now arrived and Whakatane can be depended on to do its share and face up to its obligations in this -inspect in the same magnificent manner as it has answered the call, of Empire for the supply of fight ing men. Country members of the organisation cannot be expected to respond to the same degree at the present difficult period, but the passage of the harvesting operations, and the dedline of the dairying season will see a more positive response and no one can doubt but that the rural areas will more than provide their quotas of potential garrison troops. The parade last evening provided, something tangible and encouraging the men who were sworn in realising to the full that they were expected to fulfil a semi-military role and become amenable to discipline, training and preparation. With a definite programme ahead and a splendid spirit. of enthusiasm prevailing- the prospects: of a strong efficient local force being raised and trained are particularly bright.