HOME SERVICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1917, Page 1

HOME SERVICE.

NEW REGULATIONS ISSUED

The position of nieu who are passed as fit for home service only is defined by Regulations issued under the Military Service Act. The regulations provide for the establishment of a Home Service Branch of the Expeditionary Force, and make it clear that reservists posted to this branch’ll may "be employed on 'duties connected with the war within the Dominion. The form of organisation to be adopted for home service units is defined. v

Becrnits called up for military service, and also those attested as volunteers, are to be attested into the Expeditionary Force for general service, and are to be posted in the following manner ; .

(a) All reservists and recruits who are certified bjr'the medical boards to be “fit for active service beyond the seas ” (category A, Br, and B2) sjiall be posted to the Foreign Service Branch. (b) All reservists and recruits who are certified by (the medical boards to be “ permanently unfit for active service beyond the seas,” but “ fit for service ip New Zealand in connection with or for the purposes of the present war ” (categories Ci and, pa) shall be posted to the Home Service Branch. 1

The regulations provide for the transfer of recruits aild reservists from one branch to the other in cases where a later medical examination justifies this course, A Home Service man who is found at a second or subsequent examination to be fit for active service may be transferred to the Foreign Service Branch, and put into training. vSoldiers of the Home Service Branch who are not immediately required are to be granted leave without pay.

Until the Minister of Defence shall otherwise direct, soldiers oi the Home Service Branch who are required for actual service will be called up iijom‘, those only who volunteer for such 'actual home service. They will serve under the same conditions as soldiers of the Foreign Service Branch. The regulations make it clear that Home Service men are at' the disposal of the military authorities. They must mobilise at their’ group headquarters or other specified centre, when ordered to do so by proclamation or posted orders. Their “ war organisation and establishment will be improvised to meet any situation that may arise.” The Home Service uniform and badges will be “ as laid down Service, excepting puggarees > which will be of khaki with a centre fold of black.” Men appointed to offices for which there is no unit, such as General Headquarters, District Headquarters, Recruiting Base Records, and War Expenses, will wear the titles and badges of the N.Z.A.S.C.

The Regulations mention that soldiers, of' the Home Service Branch employed on home service will be organised in sections of irregular strength, with such establishment as may be determined by the Commandant from time to time. Distinguishing patches for, various branches of the service will be worn on the left-hand side of the puggarees.