HOME GUARD UNITS

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1940, Page 6

HOME GUARD UNITS

♦ ENROLMENT QUESTIONS No steps have yet been taken in Taranaki to form units of the Home Guard pending detailed instructions from .the Government. The New Plymouth National Service Corps, however, is in communication with the New Zealand commander of the guard, Major-General R. Young, and it is expected that arrangements for the absorption of the corps will soon be made. The membership of the corps is approximately 200 and already consideration has been given to the formation of other units of the guard at Uruti, Urenui and Inglewood. Thus though Taranaki has not begun enrolling men it is actually in a better position than Wanganui where so far there are 65 enrolments. Any person who can be classified under the following headings is not. eligible to become a member of the Home Guard. (1) If he has enlisted for overseas service but has npt yet been called up; (2) is a member of the Territorial Forces; (3) is a member of Class 2, National Military Reserve; (4) is a member of any emergency precautions scheme organisation. Enrolment Questions. Candidates are asked to state whether they are fit and well, and whether they clearly understand the obligations east upon them in joining the Home Guard. They are also asked to say whether they accept liability for any disability that may be caused or aggravated by carrying out their duties with the guard. Having answered these questions in the affirmative, they are asked: "Do you therefore wish to serve in the Guards?" "Are you able to perform the required duties and training?" Other questions are: "Can you handle a boat or ride a horse, or are you licensed to drive a motor-vehicle?" "Do you possess, or have available, a boat, motor-vehicle, motor-cycle, bicycle, horse, ,or horsevehicle, which you are prepared to place at the disposal of the guard?" "Have you any special or expert knowledge in any trade or craft?" These questions are almost identical with those on the enrolment cards used for the establishment of the New Plymouth National Service Corps.