UNIT MOBILISED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21216, 12 September 1940, Page 6

UNIT MOBILISED

HAMILTON RESERVISTS ADVICE FROM WELLINGTON 40 DAYS’ TRAINING REQUIRED Notification that the Hamilton Military Reservists would be mobilised immediately was received last evening by the officer commanding the unit, Major L. E. Haines, D. 5.0., from Mr C. A. Barrell, M.P. for Hamilton. Major Haines received a telegram which he read to the unit when it paraded last night. The telegram stated: “Pleased to advise you that Minister of Defence has just informed me that the Government has decided to establish one company of the National Military Reserve in Hamilton immediately. Kind regards. C. A. Barrell.” “This will mean uniforms, arms, equipment and plenty of hard work, including 40 full days’ parades each year,” said Major Haines. “However, we do not have to start from scratch, as many had to, as we have already had 14 months of training. The spade work has been done at these weekly night parades and we will now be able to get on to the more interesting and useful work.” Major Haines added that the unit could now give a good account of itself if it became necessary, but under mobilisation its efficiency would be greatly improved. He announced that the n.c.o.’s had been undergoing training every night in the week, and this would continue under the direction of Staff-Sergeant D. I. Gate.

CAMBRIDGE HOME GUARD ENTHUSIASTIC PARADES (Special to Times) CAMBRIDGE. Wednesday The Cambridge Home Guard unit held its fortnightly parade last night, when again there was a large and enthusiastic attendance. Of the strength of 160 there were fully 125 present. Lieut. A. J. Swayne was in charge in the absence of the 0.C., Mr E. J. F. Kennedy, who was attending a Home Guard meeting in Hamilton. After the fall-in of the entire unit the men went into their respective specialist classes. The unit has a large signalling class, also machinegun and first aid classes. Last night a large number of the men was given instruction in rifle drill and sniping practice. So keen is the interest and the desire of the members to brush up their military education that this week some of the n.c.o.’s are attending at the drill hall for three consecutive nights, while in addition to the fortnightly parades those in the specialist classes attend once a week. MINISTER IN TE KUITI (Special to Times) OTOROHANGA, Thursday The Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, visited Te Kuiti last night and addressed a meeting in connection with the Home Guard. The Otorohanga County Council and the Otorohanga Board were represented.