SERVE IN GUARD

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21367, 11 March 1941, Page 6

SERVE IN GUARD

MINISTER'S AUTHORITY RECENT REGULATIONS Some evidence of a desire on the Government’s part to “tighten up” the organisation of the Home Guard is given by recently-adopted amendments to the Emergency Service Corps Regulations, 1940, particularly by making it clear that the Minister of National Service may direct any individual, at his discretion, to serve m the guard. The National Service Emergency Regulations, gazetted last June, empowered the Minister to require any member of the general reserve, which comprises all persons over 16, to perform any specified civilian service. This power was extended in Septemtember to include service in the Emergency Service Corps, which includes the Home Guard until such time as the latter may be incorporated in the armed forces to meet an emergency. The amending regulations clinch the matter by laying down that every person who is directed by the Minister, under his existing powers, to serve in the Home Guard “Shall thereupon become a member of the Home Guard in the same manner to all intents and purposes as if he had voluntarity enrolled therein and been attested.” Another amendment abolishes the previous requirement that commanders and other officers are to be appointed from among the members of the guard. The Minister is also empowered to prescribe conditions of service by order and to provide for the imposition of disciplinary fines not exceeding £2 by district and area commanders, subject to review by the Dominion Commander.

The amendments validate any informalities that may have occurred in the appointment of committee members or commanders, the establishment of committees or the subdivision of areas, particularly by lack of consultation with local bodies.