HUTT MOBILISATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 82, 7 April 1941, Page 4

HUTT MOBILISATION

RIMUTAKAS RECONNOITRED

The military field of operations allotted to the Upper Hutt Home Guard is even more far-flung than its recruitment area, and a large-scale "mobilisation'" yesterday for the purpose of a reconnaissance of the territory generall." and vital points which will be the losponsibility of the company in an emergency drew units from between Stokf <■ Valley and Kaitoke.

The area in which the company will operate has long been regarded by the military authorities as one vital in lho defence of Wellington, and after the excellently organised and expertly guided tour yesterday guardsmen returned with an 'enhanced sense of responsibility and a sound working knowledge of the country.

Over 200 men paraded at the company headquarters at Upper Hutt under the command of Major A. Birkett, with Mr. J. T. Hazelwood as adjutant.

After a short church service, conducted by the Rev. J. C. McCaw. the men embusscd for the summit of the Rimu'cakar;. At strategic points en route Sergeant-Major E. Story. N.Z.P.S., demonstrated the method of preparing a road block and a bridge demolition. with the placing of posts to guard such obstacles. During an informal talk after a halt for lunch shingle dumps by the roadside provided good material for illustrating types of country and their representation on military maps.

OPERATIONS ON RIDGES

After debussing at the summit three platoons operated along the ridges to the south and the remainder to the north. The position of and means of access to vital points were made clear by guides, and their importance in the event of an enemy landing on the south-east coast stressed.

In spite of the wide range of yesterday's operations and the very steep and difficult nature of the country, the platoons converged with precision on the final cmbussing point, where the advance party again had refreshments ready. Ambulance men parading with the company had only a minor abrasion to attend to.

Two other portions of the company's operating area are to be reconnoitred shortly, the Akatarawa and Moonshine Valleys, on April 20 and 27 respectively.

During the next three weeks the Upper Hutt company is to parade at 7.45 p.m. on Wednesdays, with transport to Upper Hutt provided for the Silverstream and Trentham platoons from the Silverstream Hall and Howell's Corner respectively at 7.30 p.m.