RESERVE CORPS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21212, 7 September 1940, Page 12

RESERVE CORPS

SCHEME GIVEN SUPPORT COMMON SPIRIT ENGENDERED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday Representatives of local bodies and others in the Wellington Metropolitan Area to-day heard a statement by the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, regarding the establishment of the Emergency Reserve Corps scheme, which embodies the emergency precautions scheme which had its beginning after the Napier earthquake, the semi-mili-tary Home Guard and Women’s War Service Auxiliary. Whether or not the organisation set up would ever be called on to defend New Zealand, said Mr Semple, this would be a better country for the organisation—in a closer understanding among all of us, for there would be no party politics or distinction, and through the common spirit that would be engendered in the defence of the Empire and this country there would be a directly beneficial effect upon the production of things that were wanted here and in Britain today. Within War Zone Mr Semple said that the loss of the Niagara and the Turakina was a strong reminder that New Zealand was within the war zone. None knew what changes were ahead. There were 300,000 men outside the Territorial and Forces able to render service, and they could be organised in three months if they got down to it.

On the motion of the Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, the meeting gave wholehearted approval and expressed determination to carry the scheme to success. It was emphasised during the discussion that the emergency organisation was not to be destroyed but would work in close association with the Home Guard and allied schemes.