SETTING TO WORK

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 53, 15 May 1942, Page 5

SETTING TO WORK

AWAKE N.Z. COMMITTEE LOCAL EXECUTIVE MEETS The initial meeting of the Whakatane committee of the 'Awake New Zealand Campaign' took place last Wednesday afternoon when the first steps were taken to push ahead with the project in mind—the equipping of the Home Guard. To this end £45 was voted the Whakatane Battalion for the construction of an ambulance unit and a casualty trailer and it was recommended that the Rangitaiki Battalion undertake a similar task for which a grant would be made. The committee personnel is now Messrs L. Buddie (chairman), C. F. Thomas (secretary), L. Littlejohn, Andrew McLean, Alex McLean, C. J. Hallett, W. J. Simons, W. R. Boon, R. E. Bfair, E. Hayden, L. Watson, C. Kingsley-Smith. The secretary reported that the sum of £222 6s had been promised, the donations ranging from 5s to £10. Since the mass meeting a further '.£l9 had; been paid in bringing the total now in hand to £125. Money however was coming in daily as the .movement gained wider publicity. Delegates to the two battalions operating in this area were appointed as under: Mr L. Littlejohn, (Whakatane), Mr Andrew McLean (Rangitaiki) .

Ambulance Requirements Mr Buddie outlined the work of rmembers of the Whakatane Battalion in building an. Ambulance Unit and a 4-berth trailer. Work on the main was voluntary but it was estimated, that the cost would be in the vicinity of £45. The grant was made forthwith and it was; decided to write letters of appreciation to Messrs Dillicar and Armstrong far their -co-operation in the matter. RngitaikL delegates undertook to bring the idea before their command -with the possibility of building to pattern two duplicate vehicles. The •chairman! and secretary were empowered to altocate a further £45 for that purpose should it be required. Listed 1 Equipment

The official delegates were instructed to obtain! lists of immediate requirements from their respective •commands and tec submit them to next meeting. Any articles which tare urgently required' will be found at once if purchase is possible; and the sum of £20 wsis voted to meet" such contingencies to be disposed of at the discretion of the secretary. Linking With Hamilton It was decided to become affiliated with Dominion Headquarters; of the ftiovement at Hamilton and to re'jnit the usua'l 15 per cent of the funds collected to that body for furtherance.of the campaign. The sum -of £26 donated by the Whakatane Home Guard will not be classed as a general subscription and' will therefore, be retained in full;. Potential Manufacturing Units It was pointed out that though there was now every indication of sufficient arms arriving im this country to equip the guard, that there had never been any real effort made to obtain a complete list of garages, factories and workshops which could be turned to advantage as manufacturing units should ever the occasion again arise. While agreeing that there was little need for such a measure- to be put into force at the present time, members considered) that the compilation of such a list was necessary as a future! reference, should ever the need arise. It was therefore agreed to take steps to compile the list covering the whole of the area over which the Home Guard operated. Military Defaulters The question, of military defaulters was also discussed, a local case being citcdi which speakers claimed should be brought tc the attention of the authorities. The secretary Avas instructed to write to the Minister of Defence drawing his attention to the matter and requesting a definite statement with regard to the handling of reputed defaulters. Messrs Littlcjohn, Thomas and. Kingsley-Smith Avere deputed to act as a publicity committee to dra\v • public attention to the activities of the organisation and generally focus public opinion on its undertakings by medium of screen and) press.

The next meeting was fixed for Friday, 22inst at 7.30, when it is hoped to push further the matter of equipment and usefulness of action.