HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 November 1940, Page 4

HOME GUARD

AUSTERTON ORGANISATION ENROLMENTS PROCEEDING. RELATION WITH EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS SCHEME. A decided impetus was given to the establishment of the Home Guard in Masterton when members and intending members filled the Social Hall, Municipal Buildings, last night and heard several speakers give a comprehensive survey of the organisation. The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, was in the chair. Mr Jordan stated that he was pleased to see such a good muster and pointed out that it was necessary to give a brief sketch of the history of the organisation in view of the stories which he understood were being circulated castigating the Home Guard. “It is a National defence job and wo are all in it as New Zealanders,” said Mr Jordan. He proceeded to give a resume of the events leading up to the formation of the organisation. The Home Guard was controlled by local bodies and in the Masterton district a representative committee had been set up to appoint leaders.

’“I am pleased to learn that Greytown has made such an excellent, start. If they can have 94 men on parade we can find nine times as many on a population basis,” said Mr Jordan. He knew that there had been a great deal of disappointment among members of the National Military Reserve but he urged them to co-oper-ate with the Home Guard. Colonel J. St Beere, District Commander, apologised for the absence of Major-General Young, Dominion Commander. He stressed the gravity of the present times and pointed out that a possible enemy with a population of 65 to 70 millions would like to take over one country with its limillions. The Home Guard was a. nonpolitical organisation. If it had been political he would not be in it. It was in the hands of the local authorities. All men over the age of 16 years would have a job in it. Those who could not do physical exercise would be found other duties. Elderly men would be given suitable tasks in the event of an emergency. Several speakers expressed regret that the National Military Reserve had been disbanded. Mr Sortain Smith stressed the fact that the reserve in Masterton had been in training for eight months and had then been left in the air. In reply to a question Mr Jordan stated that members of the Emergency Precautions Scheme could join the Home Guard. In the event of an emergency, however, they would go with the E.P.S. organisation. There was no compulsion or any penalties for non-attendance at parades. It was purely voluntary, but it was expected that where possible members would fulfil their obligations. Mr Burch, area leader, also answered questions. Enrolment forms were distributed. Sufficient enrolments were received for the immediate establishment of a platoon and arrangements are now being made for the first parade and the commencement of training.