DEFENCE OF COUNTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 10, 13 January 1941, Page 6

DEFENCE OF COUNTRY

INVASION A POSSIBILITY

MR. SEMPLE'S APPEAL

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, January 11

One hundred thousand men are wanted for the Home Guard in New Zealand? Enrolments at present number 50,000. An appeal for the remaining 50,000 was made by the Minister of National Service (Mr. Semple) today.

"I appeal to the manhood of New Zealand to rally to their country's colours," said Mr. Semple. "We must be prepared to defend these little islands of ours. They are the most prosperous and the most free in the world. It is our job to defend that heritage and, above all, to keep an eye on internal traitors for, believe me, they are here. To the boys who have left their homes and loved ones and gone overseas, we owe a debt of gratitude/ The best we can do is to prepare ourselves to defend their homes and their loved ones while they are away protecting us. If we do not do that, then we will let them down. That would be treason of the worst hue."

The question of providing equipment and uniform for the Home Guard was under consideration, and it was hoped that a definite decision would be given in a week or two, Mr. Semple continued.

"The declaration of war was not made against any part' of the British Empire but against the whole," added Mr. Semple. "Invasion is possible, and it may come at any time. The raiders that have been stalking our waters should be sufficient to convince the people of New Zealand that it is time we should be up and doing, before it is too late to prevent tragedy coming our. way. We must be prepared. We wanted to live in peace. We did not look for trouble, but trouble has been forced on us. We must meet it.

"One of the things that makes me bilious is to hear people saying that New Zealand could not defend itself. This country can defend itself, and it has a big advantage in geographical characteristics. The little Greek nation has shown the world what can be done when men are determined to defend their homes and their liberty. The world admires their great feat of arms and draws inspiration from them. The manhood of New Zealand could do the same thing if it was organised and understood its purpose."