FOR THE HOME GUARD

Evening Star, Issue 23870, 28 April 1941, Page 10

FOR THE HOME GUARD

ALL .383 RIFLES COMMANDEERED DIRECTIONS TO PRIVATE OWNERS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 26. The Government has decided to take steps to obtain possession of all privately-owned .303 rifles or parts thereof, and an impressment order under the Emergency Reserve Corps Regulations will be gazetted immediately. Making this announcement to-day, the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, pointed put that there were now at least 100,000 men in the Horae Guard, and the arming of this large force was a difficult task. It was, therefore, imperative that every rifle in the country should be made available to ensure that the Home Guard was adequately trained and' equipped to meet any situation that might arise. The impressment order would caver all privately-owned .306 rifles-of all makes, and unserviceable rifles of this Calibre should also bo handed in, as it was quite possible that they might be repaired. Provision would bo made granting persons who could satisfy the Minister that they urgently required their nfles permission to retain, them until further notice. All rifles impressed would be held on loan, and would be returned in good order or replaced. Mr Fraser urged all who bad .303 rifles in their possession to take them to the nearest police station without' delay. STILL MORE GUARDSMEN NEEDED AUCKLAND. April 27. While stating that there had been a wonderful response, especially in the country districts, to the appeal for volunteers for the Home Guard, the Governor-General, Sir Cvril -.wall, when addressing a Home Guard parade at the Domain, said the total Dominion enrolment of about 100,000 men was not enough. The war, which had been far away, had come much nearer in the past few months, and the Empire was in jeopardy. His Excellency told the guardsmen that they were training themselves to become litvto carry out a most important work for the defence of their country. He had seen the Home Guard in action in England, and it had done wonderful work. Now it was recognised as an essential part of the defence of the Mother Land. The guardsmen in Britain had taken over many duties which would otherwise have to bo performed by regular soldiers, and thus thousands of. men had boon released for active service. Should the invasion"of England be attempted, the Home Guard would play a vitally important part, and the local knowledge of the guardsmen would be of inestimable value.

His Excellency said he knew that the present shortage of equipment made things difficult, but he also knew that the guardsmen would realise that the first two lines of defence would have to be equipped first. “i am glad to see a number of ex-servicemen on parade, but there .are a lot more who are not in the Home Guard,” His Excellency said. The experience of stick men was invaluable. Those who ware too young for the last war and too old for this also had a wonderful chance of service.

“ It is no use waiting for an attack to arrive,” Sir Cyril added. ‘f All the available men should start training and do their bit now.”