JOIN THE HOME GUARD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 18 November 1940, Page 6

JOIN THE HOME GUARD

APPEAL BY MINISTER

NO MORE NATIONAL RESERVE UNITS [United Press Association] WELLINGTON, This Day. The Government has decided for the present that no more Class 11 units of the National Military Reserve will be formed, but that the land forces should be supplemented by the formation of the Home Guard. In making the announcement the Hon. F. Jones said the Government periodically reviewed the Dominion's requirements in the armed forces and quite recently a number of units of the National Military Reserve. Class 11, had been increased and independent squadrons of mounted rifles had also been added to the land forces. National Military Reserve units and independent mounted rifle squadrons are considered of vital importance to the defence of the localities to which they have been allotted, but the coast line of New Zealand is a long one and there are many places outside those localities at which landings may be made. Mr Jones recalled that the Commander of the Home Guard under the direction of the Minister of National Service is now engaged in organising units of the Home Board throughout New Zealand. He added that he wished to emphasise the importance of all returned soldiers not enrolled in a recognised unit of the National Military Reserve offering their services to the Home Guard. It was just such men who by reason of their military experience could provide instructors and leaders for Home Guard units. Further, the Government did not intend to embody any additional units in the National Military Reserve, and consequently in future the only opportunity for rendering such service would be in the Home Guard. The Minister outlined the various duties of Home Guard units and urged all those in the National Military Reserve not already on the strength of an army unit to enrol now.

Mr Jones said although the Home Guard would not form part of the military forces at this stage it was intended that should it be found necessary during an emergency units or sub-units of the Home Guard would be absorbed into the army. Meanwhile he hoped that the formation and organisation of the Home Guard would proceed rapidly and smoothly in order that the whole Dominion might be properly organised into sectors with a unit of the Home Guard in each and the training of men commenced without delay.