HOME GUARD

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1940, Page 4

HOME GUARD

The following additional enrolments have been received at the County Office: William J. Fidler, Kanieri. John L. Hagar,'Kanieri. Lawrence F. Orpwood, Riinu. Frank A. Parker, Arthurstown. William J. Radomski, Kanieri. Arthur T. Wool house, Kanieri. DUTIES OUTLINED (Per Press Association—Copyright). WELLINGTON, December 2. A few days ago, |lon. R. Semple stated that details of the part-which flie Home Guard would take in the defence of the country would be announced shortly. The War Cabinet lias now decided to give effect to the following measures for the defining of the functions and the responsibilities of the Army and the Home Guard : The Home Guard will assist the Army in the following tasks: — Military Tasks

(a) On the first threat of invasion, by completing defensive works, under the direction of the Army, and in cooperation with, the Army Works Companies. The latter units will, undoubtedly, expand on mobilisation, and suitable personnel in the Home Guard will be earmarked for this purpose. If additional labourers, or men untrained in military duties, but , physically capable of carrying out heavy labouring duties, can be organised in the Home Guard, these will also be required to assist in carrying out the Army defensive works plan. (b) The provision of Beach Patrols, to give warning on the stretches of coast that, are not covered by the 4rmy. Until an emergency arises, such patrols would carry out these duties only in the normal course of their daily occupation. For example, shepherds might bo instructed to watch for any unusual shipping activity.

(c) To oppose enemy landings’) on stretches of the coast not occupied by Army units, and to hold on to previously-prepared positions unt’l the arrival of mobile Army units. The Army, on arrival, will automatically take over command of the sector, whatever the rank of Home Guard officer may be. ; A

(d) To construct moveable obstacles to delay the advance of the enemy who has effected a landing.

(e) Under the direction of the Army authorities, but not otherwise, to assist in carrying out demolitions and in constructing permanent obstacles. (f) Guarding the vital points, such as cable landings, oil tanks, bridges, and important points on the lines of communications.

(g) The Home Guard will be responsible for the producing of new sketch vmaps of the coastal areas not included 'i in the Army mapping plan. These \ , maps will show such information as jL local telephone communicatfons, roads, ' Hacks, defensive positions, and obstacles.

Training Facilities Army Headquarters has already instructed its officers to render every assistance possible to the Home Guard units. In the use of drill halls and ‘training equipment, the needs of the Army come first, and assistance will be available only when the halls and equipment are not required for Army purposes. It is expected that by the end of the year there will be rifles available, as the nucleus of a supply to be used for training and emergency. In addition, consideration is being given to the question of obtaining for the Homo Guard the use of many thousands of privately-owned rifles.