N.Z. Force to Combat Fifth Column

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 8

N.Z. Force to Combat Fifth Column

Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 22. Prompted by the gravity of the present situation and the necessity for the nation to put forth every effort to ! win the war, Colonel H. C. Hurst has | offered to raise for service overseas in any capacity whatever a special force of 1000 returned soldiers and exregulars. The proposal is that these troops should act as a special military reserve in any emergency and play a part in countering Fifth Column activities. The suggestion was conveyed to the officer commanding the Southern Military District, Colonel Rowllings, by a deputation which requested that it should be passed on to army headquarters. i The deputation consisted of members ! of the Canterbury Territorial Association, the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association and Class 11. of the National Reserve. Direct Action Against Traitors in Our Midst (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 22. In a statement, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Adam Hamilton says that in his opinion the Government has utterly failed to deal with subversive elements in our midst with sufficient firmness. Talking and threatening was as useless as complete inaction. New Zealanders must demand direct action against all traitors in their midst. Traitors, whether individuals, small groups or members of some Fifth Column, must be given no oppor- ' tunity and shown no quarter. | He indicated that later he will seek from the Government full returns covering the number of aliens who have come to New Zealand in the last few years and particularly in the past year, also complete returns of aliens employed in Government departments, as well as those entering the country to compete in business and the professions with our men and women who have to carry the burden of war service.