H.G. Training To Be Longer, Compulsory

Northern Advocate, 10 April 1942, Page 4

H.G. Training To Be Longer, Compulsory

WELLINGTON, This Day. FOLLOWING THE WAR CABINET’S DECISION TO MAKE r ENROLMENT AND TRAINING IN THE HOME GUARD COMPULSORY, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF TRAINING REQUIRED BY MEMBERS OF THE HOME GUARD WILL BE AS FOLLOWS,’ STATED THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE (MR. JONES) TODAY.

(1) By members of the First Division and by youths between 16 and 18 who are in Division Two, 24 hours monthly.

(2) By all other meriibers of Division Two such training (not less than eight hours monthly) as may be prescribed by battalion commanders to fit members for such duties as they arc required to perform.

Division One men are over 18, physically fit, and serving in units allotted to operational roles, while Division Two men consist of all other members of the Home Guard, including youths between 16 and 18 years.

The Minister explained that the difference in training •between Division One and Two men was That jJie First Division were required to be trained to the standard of the fighting soldiers. He added that members who absented themselves from parades without leave would be liable to prosecution and a penalty of up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding £25, with a further £5 for every day the offence continues.

Mr. Jones said that most members of the Home Guard had been performing a great deal more training than the minimum now prescribed and he hoped such intensive training would continue.