GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 November 1940, Page 7

GREYTOWN

HOME GUARD BRANCH FORMED LAST NIGHT. (“Times-Age” Special.) Over 100 attended the meeting held in the town hall last night for the purpose of forming a branch of the Home Guard to cover Greytown and the surrounding district. Among those present were Mr. A. B. Martin (chairman) and Mr. H. Hardinge (clerk), of the Featherston County Council.

The Mayor (Mr. A. W. Horton) occupied the chair, and expressed his appreciation of the large Attendance considering that quite a number of local residents were working in the shops that night. In addressing those present Mr. Martin said that he felt sure that everyone was fully conversant with the reasons for the formation of the Home Guard. He said it was the duty of every ablebodied man from the age of 1G upwards to join. Mr. Martin explained the alterations made in the new enrolment form. He stated that the three boroughs within the Featherston County area were expected to each form a branch. Mr. Martin stated that members of the Emergency Precautions Committee could also be members of the Home Guard, but in the event of a crisis they would have to remain in their own .districts.

In reply to a question. Mr. Martin stated that special licences would be issued for benzine used in attending Home Guard parades. Mr. S. C. Shedden. on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association moved that a branch of the Home Guard be formed in Greytown. This was seconded by Mr. G. Te Whaiti of the Defence Rifle Club. The motion was carried unanimously. The following provincial committees was appointed:—The Mayor. Mr. A. W. Horton (ex officio); Borough representative, Mr. H. C. Trotman; Rifle Club representative, Mr. J. C. Feast; R.S.A. representatives. Messrs. H. G. Carter, F. Dewhurst, S. C. Shedden; Farmers’ Union Representative, Mr. W. G. Wiggins; sports bodies. Messrs. G. Te Whaiti and G. S. Maloney; Union's representative, Mr. J. Farmer. , It was decided to open recruiting depots at the Borough Council office and Mr. H. G. Carter’s shop. At the close of the meeting enrolment forms were distributed and 50 named were immediately handed in. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Messrs. Martin and Hardinge for having attended the meeting. At the committee meeting held after the general meeting, Mr. Carter was appointed chairman and Mr. Dewhurst secretary. Parades were arranged for Wednesday nights at 8 o’clock.' The first parade is to be held on November 27, at the Crown Theatre. • It was left to the secretary and chairman to arrange for instructors.