Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1941. THE HOME GUARD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 251, 5 August 1941, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1941. THE HOME GUARD.

The main purpose of the proposed changes in the control and organisation of the Home Guard is to give that body a status and defined place in the Dominion’s defence system. Hitherto the Home Guard has been a distinct body, a fact that was probably an advantage in the recruiting and initial stages of formation, for it appealed to the patriotic and civic spirit of members uninfluenced by any consideration of government control. The preliminary work having been accomplished, it'is now important that the organisation should be brought under a unifie.d control, so that there may be uniformity in training and equipment, essential if the purpose of the force is to be adequately achieved. One of great advantages will be the creation of two divisions. The highest standard of enthusiasm, such as has been displayed by members in all parts of the Dominion, could not compensate for the differing degrees of physical fitness. If the fittest men are now chosen their training can be speeded up, and the equipment available can be used to the best advantage. The second division will' be trained, too, but at a pace adjusted to physical possibilities. There is at last a prospect that the Home Guard will be armed, put into uniform and equipped, with material for the systematic weapon-training which should be and, on the Minister 3 assurance, will be made the most important part of its work. For the rest, the aim is to retain its regional character; to retain all that is valuable in its original conception; and to avoid duplicating the work of other arms of the defence forces. This was made clear by the Minister, and it is important that it should be assured. Above all, the Home Guard is being given a proper status so that its members will not risk the penalties that fall upon the franc tireur. With ‘this, wjth overelaboration avoided, it should serve the country well.