APPEAL FOR SERVICE RIFLES

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 126, 21 February 1941, Page 8

APPEAL FOR SERVICE RIFLES

Use By Men Of Home

Guard

RETURN TO OWNERS AFTER

HOSTILITIES

Au appeal to owners of serviceable

rilles to place them voluntarily at

tlie disposal of the Government for use

by the Home Guard was made yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, lie gave an undertaking that as soon

as possible after Hie cessation of hostilities each rille would be returned in gooi,l order and condition to its owner, or if for any reason this proved impossible. to repltree the rifle with one of equivalent value. "The equipping of tlie Home Guard with rilles, in addition to meeting the needs of the armed forces, is becoming increasingly difficult.” said Mr. Fraser. "In fact, witli the increased arms requirements of the continually-growing numbers of men joining up, it Ims been found impracticable to make an adequate supply available to the Home Guard, which now numbers more titan G 0,090 men, with hundreds more volunteering every day. The Army authorities have already released large numbers of guns for the use of the Home Guard, but many more are needed. _ "There is no need to stress the fact that it is absolutely essential that rilles should be available not. only for actual use should the necessity arise, put also for training purposes now. Rifles are by no means, however, the soldier’s only weapons in modern warfare and training in the use of other arms receives full attention. But so far as increasing the usefulness of the Home Guard is concerned, I would like to emphasize that it is highly desirable Hurt they should have more rilles now. Privately-Owned Rifles. "It is known, from a survey recently made, that there are approximately 20,000 privately-owned service rifles in the Dominion, and if these were made available they would ease the situation very considerably, and it is to these owners that this appeal is addressed. "I fully realize.” continued the Prime Minister.' "the very great care which owners, such as, for example, members of rifle clubs, bestow upon their rifles. But in present circumstances they should be willing to make every contribution to the common cause. Probably a 1! marksmen will have already joined the Home Guard. If they have not, I hope they will lose no time in doing so, but. if they cannot, offer their own services I would ask them at least to lend their rifles. It may be, of course, that some rifle owners have failed to notify the police of their possession ot weapons and have therefore rendered themselves liable for penalties. To these individuals, I say. do not hesitate because you are afraid of being prosecuted. Under the circumstances I can assure you that action will not be taken against you. Undertaking by Government. "The Government undertakes that as soon as possible after the cessation of hostilities each rifle will be returned in good order and condition to its owner, or. if for any reason this proves impossible, to replace the rifle with one of equivalent value. “Arrangements have been made for the issue of official receipts, mid owners are specially asked to hand in the rifles to the nearest police station at the earliest possible date. “Under the War Regulations the Government can, of course, take power to requisition all privately-owned rifles, but it is felt that all owners who can reasonably do so will respond to this appeal and thus enable the Government to train more efficiently mid more speedily many thousands of wellequipped men for the defence of the Dominion."