HOME DEFENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 196, 19 August 1940, Page 6

HOME DEFENCE.

Almost a year after the outbreak of war the Government has announced a new alignment of home defence, by the establishment of an Emergency Reserve Corps which will include a Home Guard and women's auxiliaries. The plan is one outcome of the lessons learned since the German flood began to pour over Europe, and while it may seem a little late in the day to make the effort a truly "all-in" one, it is satisfying to know that the lessons of the crucifixion of other nations upon the crooked cross of the Swastika are being steadily learned and the knowledge practically applied. A great factor in building up Britain's diamond-hard resolution is the intake of every man and woman in the country into some integral part of the defence scheme. Each therefore feels the importance of his allotted task, and, remembering his service to the nation, gets on with the job with a grim determination that leaves no room for wavering or defeatism. It will be the same here. The response to the call for membership in the Home Guard will be immediate and almost unlimited. The new organisation, in addition to training , men who are unable to give their whole time to military service but are anxious to fit themselves for whatever test they may be called upon to face, will be of great service in simplifying and unifying the ■auxiliary forces. It will take over the emergency precautions, and other voluntary organisations, co-ordinate their efforts, r ad bring them into line throughout New Zealand. Nothing is known of how the plan of auxiliary defence is to be drafted, what units will be organised, or what the individual duties of each will be. But Mr. Semple will have the task of planning the scheme. He has plenty! of driving force, and it should not be long before every member of the community knows how he can help in the defence of the nation.