HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1941, Page 4

HOME GUARD

RECRUITING- WEEK DISPLAYS TYPES OF EQUIPMENT. GAS DECONTAMINATION. Considerable interest . has been aroused by the equipment displays arranged by various local firms in connection with the Home Guard recruiting week. It is reported that a good number of new recruits have already enrolled and a considerable influx is expected at the parade at the Municipal Hall tomorrow at 7 p.m. Among the interesting exhibits arranged is the display of a Lewis gun on an anti-aircraft mounting in the W.F.C.A.’s special window. The Lewis is the machine-gun which, on first invention, was turned down by several countries but came into its own as a major small-arms weapon during the Great War. Today, on an anti-aircraft mounting, it is recognised as one of the best machine-guns for defence against aircraft. It fires at the rate of 600 rounds per minute and weighs only 261bs. In the window of Messrs J. Graham and Co. are two further types of machine guns. Firstly, the heavy Vickers, which is usually the darling of the machine-gun instructor. It fires belt ammunition and can keep up sustained firing at tremendous speeds. With this weapon it is possible to lay down “beaten zones” of fire at ranges up to two miles, and more. Also in this window is the Thompson sub-machine gun. familiarly known as the “tommy gun.” This is the gun which has moved up in the world from being the “chopper” of the Chicago gangsters to its place as a major infantry weapon of assault troops in the first armies of the world. It has the terrific rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute. The Home Guard has received instruction in the use of all the above weapons.

In the window of Messrs N. R. Cunningham Ltd., is another exhibit which is seen for the first time in Masterton. namely, a full gas decontamination suit as used by wardens in England. Also displayed is a camouflaged anti-gas cape together with steel helmet and anti-gas veil as worn by troops overseas.

A great many other firms in town are also carrying recruiting posters this week in an effort to make the drive a success. Messrs Hugo and Shearer and the W.F.C.A. Ltd. have also a fine display of suitable war pictures supplied by the courtesy of the Publicity Department.