CRITICISMS OF HOME GUARD

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23523, 29 December 1941, Page 6

CRITICISMS OF HOME GUARD

REPLY BY BRIGADIER P. H. BELL “NO TIME FOR PETTY STATEMENTS ” (P.A.) AUCKLAND, December 27. “I find it very difficult to understand the motives behind such criticisms of the Home Guard,” said ®“^ d i e . r rt hem Bell, Officer Commanding the Northern Military District, commenting on complaints an article the Auckland ‘•Star” and on letters which have ap peared in newspapers recently. “I sometimes wonder whether these criticisms emanate fro m Home Guar men whosie desire it is to help the ganisation or from people whose jects are entirely the opposite, Bnga dier Bell said. “This is no time for petty or petulant statements which are so often made by people who are not in possession of the complete facte. Whatever mistakes have_ been made m the past, or whatever the difficulties that are still being faced by those m control of the Home Guard, surely the onlv thing to do now is for all concerned to continue to do their utmost to keep the organisation going. “Many calculations m regard to the arming, clothing, and equipping not only of Home Guard units but also of territorials and National Military Reserve unite, have been upset by cicumstances over which neither t e 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 criticisms based on halftruths tend to place a 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 m the defence plans of New Zealand, and has already performed excellent service. The men have been keen aud enthusiastic, and a great majority arestiU so, their whole idea being service to their country to the best of their ability. This applies not only to the men in the ranks but to officers and commanders, who have done their utmost to fit themselves for the job they have undertaken. Ability of Organisers “Curious as it may seem to some, there are men planning and directing such organisations who have honesty of purpose, entire and a certain 1 amount of intelligence, concluded the brigadier. _ _ . Referring to the complaints, Colonel M. Aldred, district director of the Home Guard, said that one, fact had beenomitted in connexion with the parade m the Auckland Domain recently. The battalion which had carried out the ceremonial parade, ne said, had performed a useful tactical exercise by manning its battle positions at 4 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 teaming which they are doing is fitting them, to take their places with other unite of the New Zealand defence forces. Lack of uniforms and equipment troubling Home Guardsmen throughput the Auckland district. Substantial issues have, however, been made recently, and there is no doubt that the Army is making every effort to arm and equip the guard fully. “The great majority of guardsmen in the Auckland Province are keen and enthusiastic about their jobs anq 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.