HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1941, Page 4

HOME GUARD

RECENT FIELD EXERCISES GENERAL SATISFACTION. MANY WILLING HELPERS. A special order has been issued by the Battalion Commander of the Masterton Home Guard expressing his appreciation of the keenness and enthusiasm of the men on last Sunday’s exercise at Blairlogie. The order commented on the remarkably good attendance and stressed the value of the lessons learnt. There have been general expressions of satisfaction by all ranks at the completeness of the arrangements made for the men and the absence of any apparent hitch at any stage has been the subject of favourable comment. Among the many contributing factors that made for the comfort of the men was the supply of hot tea both before and after the exercise. The cup of tea on daylight parades has become an institution in the Masterton Home Guard ever since Mrs C. C. Cook and her willing band of helpers first brought this amenity to a parade at Mahunga .in March last and at the earnest request of the Guard these ladies have continued their ministrations. Of great assistance to the - ladies was Mr T. Peet, of the Junction Hotel, who supplied lhe firewood and water as well as a copper to assist in the making of tea and in addition furnished a shed complete with table and chairs for the use of Battalion headquarters. The permission of Messrs H. Morrison, R. Liverton and N. Groves to use the land over which the mock battle took place also earned the gratitude of the Battalion. The drivers of the transport vehicles also merited thanks for giving up their day’s rest and entering into the spirit of the thing, obeying the transport officer’s orders and getting lhe troops out and home again without accident.

One of the slight hitches on Sunday not apparent outside Battalion headquarters was caused by the “capture of a forward telephone station. However the immediate response on the part of several ladies to the appeal made in the “Times-Age’’ for signalling flags greatly reduced the importance of this enterprise on the part of the “enemy,” and, flags being available, contact was swiftly regained. Quite a number of flags were presented to the Battalion, and though there are not yet sufficient to fill the demand, the generosity and industry of these ladies means that a greater amount of practice can be put in by the signallers, and that very vital part of the organisation brought nearer to perfection.

The Battalion feels it has the very willing support and co-operation of the public of Masterton, which is as it should be in a citizens army working in their defence.