IMPORTANT PROPOSALS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20613, 22 July 1941, Page 9

IMPORTANT PROPOSALS

GREAT CHANGE FORESEEN The whole future of the Home Guard in New Zealand is stated to be involved in proposals which have been under consideration by the War Cabinet. Although no decision lias yet been announced, it is considered strongly probable that in a short time the army will take over control of all reasonably fit Home Guardsmen, states the Auckland Herald. There is every reason for believing that the proposals supersede a plan made about two months ago for the army to take over only a very limited number of the Home Guard.

In answer to questions, Colonel M. Aldred, Home Guard commander for the Auckland district, said there was now every chance that the Home Guard in New Zealand, as in Britain, would be allotted a definite part in the defence of the country. This would mean that all reasonably fit men would come more directly under army control and that arms, ammunition and equipment of all kinds would be more readily available. “Until the proposals are approved by the War Cabinet,” said Colonel Aldred, “I am not at liberty to give any details, but I have no hesitation in stating that the plan, if given effect to, will be a vast improvement on the existing conditions. “As far as I know, there is no question of Guardsmen being medically examined or being obliged to go into camp. The great thing is that the Home Guard will retain its identity and will not be dismembered, as at one time seemed likely.”