HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 October 1940, Page 4

HOME GUARD

ORGANISATION TO MEET EMERGENCY ROLE OF LOCAL BODIES. ADDRESS BY MR C. J. HAY. There was a fair attendance at a meeting held in the Masterton Y.M.C.A. on Saturday night to hear an address by Mr C. J. Hay, of the National Service Department, on the Home Guard organisation. Mr J. Robertson, M.P., was in the chair. "As a national necessity, we want all in the community to offer their cooperation and get right into the job,” stated Mr Hay. He emphasised the need for the organisation. Mr Hay stated that he had covered some 2,500 miles on his tour of the North Island. “The Home Guard was formed at the request of the people of New Zealand,” said Mr Hay. "As the military authorities have their hands full, the Government has handed over the reins to local body administration." He emphasised the point that the Home Guard had arisen from the Emergency Precautions 'Scheme, which was founded as an outcome of the Napier earthquake. In the event of a national disaster, the Government could issue a proclamation placing the members of the Home Guard under- military law. The organisation would be flexible in that each district formed its own companies and platoons, with the right to name their own officers. It was never intended that the Home Guard should be a strike-breaking organisation. ‘As there is no medical examination, no responsibility can be taken for illness. etc.,” said Mr Hay in explaining the position concerning possible indisposition through taking part in the organisation. It was not intended that the Home Guard should interfere with industry. To enable rural members to attend instructional classes in main centres petrol would be available for a farmer with a lorry to transport men. Mr Hay answered several questions.

It was observed by Mr Robertson that it would open the eyes of the people of New Zealand should they be able to see a picture of the strides New Zealand was making in connection with the war effort, but for obvious reasons the Government did not wish to give any information which could fall into the wrong hands. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Hay and Mr Robertson.