HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1941, Page 4

HOME GUARD

I REQUEST FOR GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION RESOLUTION BY WAIRARAPA LOCAL BODIES. SUBSIDY SCHEME CALLED FARCICAL. A resolution that the Government. be asked to take over the Home Guard organisation, as it was considered an integral part, of New Zealand’s defence force, was carried unanimously 'at a meeting of Wairarapa local body representatives held in Masterton last night. "It won’t even pay for the men's boot leather," said Mr T. Jordan (Mayor of Masterton) in commenting on the Government scheme of granting 2s per man up to December 31. 1940, and from January 1 a subsidy of Id per man per week for men who attended from 75 to 80 per cent of the parades. "The scheme is farcical,” he said. One Minister had said the Home Guard were shock troops. Mr Jordan added that there was co-operation on one side only. Originally the Home Guard was not. intended to be a military organisation, but it had got beyond that. He hoped something would arise out of .General Williams’s report. Mr D. L. Taverner considered that if members of the Home Guard were good enough to give their time, use their own petrol and wear out their clothes and boots, it was up to local bodies to give assistance. He moved that until the Home Guard was on an Army basis local bodies should provide finance. “We are facing a serious crisis. While | we are worrying about finance wei don't want the movement to break' down.” said Mr G. Moore, who seconded the motion. "It is a dangerous thing to do,” said Mr S. K. Siddells. “The Government might leave it to us altogether.” Mr J. W. Card said uniformity was urgently required. The Home Guard should be under the military authorities. However, if the Government would not move in the matter the Home Guard should be assisted. \ Mr W. B. Martin said he was against local bodies paying for Home Guard expenses. It would be quite wrong. It would be better for the Government to take over the organisation. The Home Guard grew out of nothing and then cut of hand. When the position became serious and finance cropped up the local bodies, or ratepayers, were left to pay. It would not be fair to call on the ratepayers. Mr A. E. Reid supported Mr Martin's remarks. The motion was lost by a large majority. Mr Martin moved, and Mr Card seconded, that the Government be urged to come to a quick decision and take over the Home Guard, as it was an integral part of the defence force. The motion was carried unanimously. The whole future of the Home Guard in New Zealand is stated to be involved in proposals which have been under consideration by the War Cabinet. Though no decision has yet been announced, it is considered probable that in a short time the Army will take over control of all reasonably fit members of the Home Guard.