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FULL SUPPORT.

THE HOME GUARD MOVEMENT.

ENTHUSIASM OF’ RETURNED MEN

A special general meeting of the Ashburton Returned Soldiers’ Association last evening attended by about 90 members, showed considerable enthusiasm for the Home Guard Movement and passed unanimously a motion proposed by Mr W. G. Welsh and seconded! by Mr H. G. Kemp, giving full support and every possible assistance, and appealing for as many returned soldiers as possible to sign up right away. It is understood that almost all present signed or took away with them enrolment forms.

The president (Mr E. M. Gabites) introduced the Area. Commander (Captain E. A. Cockioft) who outlined the formation of groups throughout the County, the election of leaders, the functions of the Guardi, the duties ol district committees, the conditions ot service, and the oath of allegiance. Captain Oockroft stressed the need of the organisation for the defence of the country. Nobody could tell what might happen: and it was virtually necessary that we should be prepared. He asked for tfe co-operation of the returned men.

The Deputy Mayor (Dr. J. 0. Connor) of the Borough Home Guard Committee, 'endorsed! Captain Oockroft’s remarks and congratulated him on his appointment. (Applause).

It was stated that it was desired to keep the returned men together in separate platoons pnd possibly to. draw on them as instructors. Mr E. B. Con dell moved that it be recommended to the Home Guajvd Committee that returned soldiers be Kept in separate groups. The motion was carried. Dr. Connor spoke in favour of the idea..

Captain Cockroft announced that parades of the Guard would lie- called at times most suitable for the majority of the guardsmen.

STAVELEY’S EXAMPLE

POOR RESPONSE IN BOROUGH. The Stave!ey district is setting a splendid example to othey parts of the Ashburton County and Borough in its (enthusiasm for the Home Guard. All of the members of the Staveley Rifle Club have expressed a desire to join the organisation and Mr G. Kelly (County Clerk) told the ..“Guardian” this morning that about 40 lenriolments are expected from this source. There were 12 enrolments at Eiffelton and 22 at Methven at meetings to set up committees to organise the Guardi, and further forms have been dispatched by the County Council to these committees. No- reports have yet been received on further progress. The setting up of the Guard in the County is to be pushed on. next week when meetings will be held at AVakanui on Monday night and at Hinds on Tuesday night. It is desired that the AA T akanui meeting should he attended by people from all parts of the riding and even those beyond who desire to do so. Borough’s Lack of Enthusiasm. It is more than! a week since an advertisement appeared in the “Guaji'dian” informing the public of Ashburton and Timvald that enrollment forms were available at the Borough Council offices. There is evidently a lack of enthusiasm or a reluctance to come forward in the town, because the Town Clerk'(Mr Ri. C. Major) reported this morning that there had been only five enrolments at tine Borough Offices to date.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AG19401031.2.51

Bibliographic details

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 6

Word Count
521

FULL SUPPORT. Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 6

FULL SUPPORT. Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 6