Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1941. THE HOME GUARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 207, 2 August 1941, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1941. THE HOME GUARD.

Rhoiiganjsatiox of tlie Home Guard has been anticipated for some little time past, and the assumption of control by the Defence Department should remove the discontent lately manifested in various centres. To build up a body of men, well and efficiently trained to take their place in the general scheme of home dedefence, lias been the impelling' force behind the movement, and public spirited citizens have given freely of their time and money to make the Home Guard what its promoters have desired it to be. Rut control under the Minister of National Service has not been satisfactory and Mr Semple’s criticism of officers who have voiced their disapproval has not been helpful. Under the scheme of reorganisation there will be two divisions, the first of 50,000 comprisin'l’ men fit for combat duty, who will be properly equipped and given the necessary training. What has been accomplished in the past, few months should prove of considerable value in bringing the. Home Guard to the state of efficiency necessary. According to the Minister this force is “sufficient to fulfill the essential needs of (he country.” The balance of the 100,000 enrolments will be a reserve for the first division. and will comprise members “with a reasonable standard of physical fitness,” but they will iiot receive uniforms or equipment, only arm bands. Weapons will be available for training, but it is not clear when the combat division will receive its arms.

The question of finance which has proved rather awkward at times is being’ helped by raising the capitation to £1 per head, giving the organisation £100,009 to meet its expenses. Such a payment should have been made before this, so that local bodies should not have been called upon to meet an expense beyond (heir province. Actual cotitrol w ill be similar to that of home defence units, and should give the stability the Home Guard has sought for some time past.