HOME GUARD

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 304, 24 December 1941, Page 8

HOME GUARD

BRIGADIER'S STAND

CRITICISM UNWARRANTED

"I find it very difficult to understand the motives behind such criticisms of the Home Guard," said Brigadier P. H. Bell, D.5.0., officer commanding the Northern Military District, when commenting to-day on complaints expressed in an article in the Star last Friday, and on letters which have appeared in the Press recently. "I sometimes wonder whether these criticisms emanate from Home Guardsmen whose desire it is to help the organisation or from .people whose objects are entirely the opposite," the brigadier continued. "This is no time for petty or petulant statements which are so often made by people who are not in possession of the complete facts. Whatever mistakes had been made in the past, or whatever the difficulties that are still being faced by those in control of the Home Guard, I surely the only thing to do now is for all concerned to continue to do their utmost to keep the organisation going. Equipment Difficulties "Many calculations in regard to the arming, clothing and equipping of not only Home Guard units but also Territorials and National Military Reserve units, have been upset by circumstances over which neither the Government nor the Army—or the Home Guard authorities—have any control, but the situation has improved, and it is hoped that it will continue to improve. "Carping criticisms based on halftruths tend to place a very excellent organisation in a wrong light before the public," said Brigadier Bell. "As I have often said before, the Home Guard has a very definite place in defence plans of New Zealand, and has ajready performed very ■ excellent service. The men have been keen and enthusiastic, and a great majority are still so, their whole idea being service to their country to the best of their ability. This applies not orfly to the men in the ranks but to the officers and commanders who have done their utmost to fit themselves for the job they have undertaken. "Curious as it may seem to some, there are men planning and directing such organisations who have honesty of purpose, entire disinterestedness, and a certain amount of intelligence " concluded the brigadier. District Director's Comment Referring to the article, Colonel M. Aldred, V.D., district director of the Home Guard, said to-day that one important fact was omitted in correction with the parade in the Auckland Domain recently. The battalion which had carried out the ceremonial parade, he said, had performed a useful tactical exercise by manning its battle positions at four o clock the same morning. "Home Guard battalions have, in spite of equipment difficulties, reached a high standard of efficiency, Colonel Aldred continued and the training which they are doing is fitting them to take their places with other units of the New Zealand defence forces. Lack of uniforms and equipment is seriously troubling Home Guardsmen throughout the Auckland district. Substantial issues have, however, been made recently and there is no doubt that the army is making every effort to fully arm and equip the guard. ■ majority of guardsmen in the Auckland province are keen and enthusiastic about their jobs and are willingly giving up their holidays to stand in readiness for the call to carry out the tasks that have been allotted to /them," Colonel Aldred added.