THE CHANGE-OVER

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 75, 25 September 1941, Page 8

THE CHANGE-OVER

UNDER ARMY CONTROL

GREATER SCOPE

"Far-reaching changes are involved in the decision that the Home Guard shall function as part of the Army," said the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, today, "and these are being implemented i speedily by the Army authorities. ! "Several principles inherent, in the Home Guard of Britain have been adopted. " Firstly, the New Zealand Home Guard remains essentially a 'home' guard in that the operational role of its units is the defence of the areas at or near their homes; secondly, it remains essentially a voluntary force, though members who attend special courses /will, as stated by Mr. Nash, receive Territorial Force rates of pay for. the duration of those courses: and, thirdly, it is now a part lof the forces of the Dominion and accordingly will* be equipped; trained, j and provided with commissioned and | non-commissioned officers. "The clothing and equipping of the Home Guard, involving a considerable amount of work, is proceeding, and some items already are being issued in large quantities. The third batch of 6000 pairs of boots is now at the point of delivery. In addition to rifles, provision is made for machine-guns and an adequate issue of ammunition for training and for a' war reserve. No time is being lost to complete the equipment so that the Home Guard may discharge successfully the tasks allotted it as part of the Dominion's scheme of ; defencfe. SPECIAL COURSES. "Training directives have already been issued by the Army to those responsible for the Home Guard's training, and a special course for Home Guard adjutants, quartermasters, and warrant officer instructors is in progress at the Army School of Instruction. Other courses have been completed for unit officers. , • "Some special tasks have been allotted to the Home Guard in a general mobilisation. Certain personnel of those Government Departments* such as Railways, Post and Telegraph, etc., which are already closely associated with the armed forces, will, on mobilisation, be given Home Guard status. Thus there will be formed at once certain lines of communication units, such as signals and auxiliary transport companies. ' MINISTER'S TRIBUTE. "I desire to pay a tribute," Mr. Jones went on, "to the splendid work done by the Home Guard committees in fostering interest and enthusiasm in the Home Guard in many ways. It is earnestly hoped that these committees will continue their welcome assistance in the social activities of the Home Guard in much the same way as is done by the Territorial Force associations. "This enlargement of the important role of the Home Guard, a stepr in which the Government had the advantage of advice of General Sir Guy Williams, X.C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., has undoubtedly increased the enthusiasm of the members. I feel certain," concluded Mr. Jones, "that all ranks of the Home Guard will continue to use every endeavour to make it an efficient fighting force, worthy of comparison with the. magnificent ■ organisation ■; which bears the same name in the i Mother Country." i