HOME GUARDSMEN RESPOND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 128, 11 July 1941, Page 4

HOME GUARDSMEN RESPOND

IT is interesting to record that practically all those who have been engaged in the: widespread search and patrolling of the coastline since £he disappearance of Mr F. J. Reynolds, were members of the local Home Guard. It is probably because of that fact that the work has been carried out so thoroughly and so well. Week after week the majority of the men engaged have met and drilled, creating discipline and learning; to take orders. The. organisation which sprang into being immediately there was need „for a search, was diireatly due to the influence of the Home Guard training. To-day those services are still offering, and one and all are keen to continue with their self-imposed task. Had the same set of circumstances arisen in times of peace, we do not doubt but that the same men would have willingly come forward and assisted in a private capacity, but the immediate banding together, the cohesion of action and the thoroughness of the night and day patrolling can be laid directly and with credit, at the door of the Home Guard movement. It is obvious from the response, that the Guardsmen consider themselves not merely for the purpose of repelling a possible invasion, but also to be on the spot in the event of any emergency arising, which demands the organisation of the district manpower. /