THE HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1941, Page 2

THE HOME GUARD

TRAINING & EQUIPMENT CHANGE TO ARMY CONTROL. OUTLINE GIVEN BY MINISTER. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. An outline of changes in the Home Guard "organisation since the decision to bring it under the control of the Army was given by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, in a statement yesterday. Ho said that these were being given effect to speedily by the Army authorities. Mr Jones said that several principles applying to the Home Guard in Great Britain were being adopted in this country. First, the New Zealand HomeGuard remained essentially a “homo" guard in that the operational role of its units was the defence of the areas at or near the guardsmen's homes; secondly. it remained essentially a voluntary' force, though members who attended special courses would, as stated by Mr Nash, receive Territorial Forcerate of pay for the duration of those courses; and, thirdly, it was now a part of the forces of the Dominion and accordingly would be equipped, trained and provided with commissioned and non-mommissioned officers. “The clothing and equipping of the Home Guard, involving a considerable amount, of work, is proceeding, and some items already are being issued in large quantities," said the Minister. “The Third batch of 6000 pairs of boots is now at the point of delivery. In addition to rifles, provision is made for machine-guns and an adequate issue of ammunition for training and for a war reserve. No time is being lost to complete the. equipment so that the Home Guard may discharge successfully the tasks allotted it as part of the' Dominion’s scheme of defence. “Training directives have already been issued by the Army to those responsible for the Home Guard's training, and a special course for Home Guard adjutants, quartermasters, and warrant officer instructors is in progress at the Army School of Instruction. Other courses have been completed for unit officers. “Some special tasks have been allotted to the Home Guard in a general mobilisation. Certain personnel of those Government departments, such as Railways. Post and Telegraph, and others, which are already closely associated with the armed forces, will, on mobilisation, be given Home Guard status. Thus there will be formed at once certain lines of communication units, such as signals and auxiliary transport companies. “I desire to pay a tribute,” said Mr Jones, “to the splendid work done by the Home Guard committees in fostering interest and enthusiasm in the Home Guard in many ways. It is earnestly hoped that these committees will continue their welcome assistance in much the same way as is done by the Territorial Force associations."