HOME GUARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 December 1941, Page 8

HOME GUARD

PROVISION OF UNIFORMS MASTERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL VOTES £4OO. REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT. Although It was contended that the Government should carry out its promise to provide uniforms for the Home Guard, a unanimous decision to provide £4OO for uniforms for town companies of the Home Guard was reached at a meeting of the Masterton Borough Council last night. Many instances were given by councillors of the severe wear and tear to which members of the Home Guard subjected their clothing. The resolution passed by the council asked that the Government should be requested to reimburse the council. It was the unanimous opinion of councillors that in view of the splendid work which was being carried out by the Home Guard they should receive every encouragement. A letter was received from the Masterton Battalion of the Home Guard asking for a grant towards providing uniforms for the town companies. The uniforms could be made locally at a cost of 22s each. It was pointed out that the Government’s issue of battledress, when it would be received, would not be suitable for field exercises.

The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, said that the expense was a proper charge on the War Expenses Account. The uniforms were urgently needed and he considered that the Government should be advised of the fact that the uniforms could be made locally. Mr Jordan said that he had not heard that there was no money in the exchequer but he had heard that there was no material or labour.

Cr. W. Kemp said it was hard on the men that they should wear out their clothing in training for the defence of the community. Mr Jordan: “If you are prepared for the ratepayers to find £4OO, say so.”

Cr. G. D. Wilson said that he could not agree entirely with what had been said. If it was the Government’s task to provide uniforms, but if it did notthen the council should.

Mr Jordan: “If we say that the Government will leave us to do it.”

Continuing, Cr. Wilson held that the provision of uniforms would stimulate the movement and it would remove the present unfairness of men wearing out their clothes. He moved that £4OO be provided and that the Government be asked to reimburse the amount.

The motion was seconded by Cr. J Ninnes.

All members of the council spoke in support of the motion, which was carried unanimously. Later in the evening Major Hibbs and Messrs S. Playsted and T. Cunningham, representing the Masterton Battalion of the Home Guard, waited on the council and expressed appreciation of the assistance given by the Mayor and Councillors. Major Hibbs said that the action taken would be of great benefit to the Home Guard.