HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 April 1941, Page 4

HOME GUARD

N.C.O. TRAINING CAMP AT SOLWAY NEARLY TWO HUNDRED ATTEND. VIGOROUS WORK BEING PUT IN. In delightful weather, close on 200 n.c.o's. of Wairarapa Home Guard units are attending camp at the Solway Showgrounds. The men, who are drawn from a wide area, are present from Pongaroa and Pahiatua southward to Palliser Bay. They are being given an intensive training course under the direction of Territorial instructors, who are in charge of Captain R. Wakelin, assisted by Lieut. Wales. Officers are: Area commander, Mr W. R. Birch; area second in command, Mr F.. W. Parry; camp commandant, Mr H. G. Carter; sergeant-major, Mr Nuttall; quartermaster, Mr lan McFarlane; quartermaster-sergeant, Mr F. Price; adjutant, Mr. W. N. Richardson. Yesterday a vigorous day’s training was accomplished, the men being exceptionally keen and making a most creditable showing. Platoon and company drill, rifle exercises, musketry, map reading and communication drill were among yesterday’s activities and similar training was carried out today. Tomorrow range practice will be held and it is understood night operations will also be conducted before the men break camp. Colonel Jennings, staff officer to Major-General Young, Dominion Commander, is visiting the camp tomorrow.

Nearly forty of the men attending the course are being accommodated in the grandstand, where facilities have' been provided for meals and beds. Thel training will continue until Monday* l afternoon.

Some idea of the growth of the Home Guard movement in the district may be gained when it is known that the strength has now reached 2500. Ten units in neighbouring country’ areas are now attached to the Masterton Battalion, which is about 650 strong, the latest section to be formed being one at Matahiwi.

Much voluntary assistance is being given to the men in camp, such as by donations of vegetables by the Women’s Emergency Corps, while Mr E. A. Tozer yesterday undertook the cooking free of charge.