HOME DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23661, 21 May 1940, Page 9

HOME DEFENCE

RECEPTION OF SCHEME MEN EAGER TO SERVE CRITICISM OF THE PLAN The home defence measures outlined by the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, and the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, were widely discussed yesterday, the general attitude of citizens indicating that public opinion is well abreast, if not ahead, of Government action. In many quarters support would have been given to a decision to make home servica compulsory. Tho one note of criticism came from circles better informed on military questions than most. This, in the words of one old soldier, was that through the Government delaying the adoption of this policy for so long, practical difficulties would place limitations upon tho immediate results aimed at. "Lacking Lubrication" "Tho home defence machine has been lacking lubricating oil for a long time," said this man. "Bearings are dry. The Government must supply the need and if Ministers do not know where to apply the oil-can that is due to, the habitual negligence of years. Their duty is to learn as quickly as possible from those who know." However, at this time of crisis, old soldiers will bo the last to take the obstructive stand of "I told you- so." Everywhere yesterday one could discern an aching urge to "get on with it." Scores of young men made inquiry about joining tho Territorial Force and, of course, ex-soldiers automatically placed themselves in readiness to perform the duties of Class H. or the National Military Reserve. Territorials Below Strength It is understood that the strength of most Territorial units is well below establishment, although shortage of uniforms may have had some bearing on this matter. Provided uniforms are available there will be no difficulty in filling the ranks by voluntary means, even although the individual obligation means undergoing a continuous training course of three months. , Early in the war Class 11. of the National Military Reserve (ex-service-men) enrolled in numbers that would have given battalion strength, but after the drawing from this 'unit of men for permanent guard duty, and. for the time being the passing of . invasion risk, it received little official recognition and only through the personal enthusiasm of a few did i# survive. Upon this keen cadre a strong force can be built, but obviously if the men are to carry arms they must wear the King's uniform. Class f. ol Reserve

Class I. of the National Military Reserve consists of men up to 35 years of age who had Territorial training in the past. Here again" only it sense of personal responsibility of a few has kept the Auckland unit in being. Actually, it Avould have ceased to exist but for the insistence of the men concerned to train and have instruction. The Army Department has nothing to congratulate itself upon in the manner the willing unpaid service of Class 11. and Class I. was "taken as read." Both classes can be relied upon to again respond to the national appeal. To the chagrin of the men concerned, however, no mention at all is made of Class I. in the new scheme, omission suggests to military minds that the scheme has been very hastily conceived and more hastily given publicity. Other disappointed men are those over 35 who nave had some training in the past. One, on inquiry, found there was no place in the scheme for him. Yet he is a man who would regard the home service training as a preliminary to training for the Expeditionary Force, in which he hopes to serve when the time is indicated. SIX PHASES { THE GOVERNMENT'S SCHEME REVIEW BY THE MINISTER IMPROVING EFFICIENCY [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] ' "WELLINGTON, Monday The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. I Jones, supplementing the announcement of the Government's intensive training scheme for the development of New Zealand's home defence, said defensive precautions could best be developed by raising as rapidly as possible the general standard of efficiency of troops to whom the protection of the main ports had been allotted; the clothing, arming, equipping and increased training of the battalions and. sub-units of the National Military Reserve (class II.); and improving the general standard of efficiency of territorial units forming the field force. Mr. Jones explained the six phases of the scheme, the first being a month's intensive training for officers and noncommissioned officers of territorial units and fortress battalions at district schools, and the clothing, equipping and j)roviding facilities for training the National Reserve at evening, half-day and whole-day parades at week-ends. The second phase would provide for three months' continuous training for the personnel of fortress battalions. The third and fourth phases would provide for a similar course for officers and non-coinmissioned officers and then the personnel of other selected territorial units, the three months'. training for the personnel, under their own officers and non-commissioned officers, being in tented camps in each of the three military districts. The fifth and sixth phases would provide similar training for the remaining territorial units. "The rates of pay and allowances for personnel' will be the same as those prescribed for members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force serving in New Zealand," added the Minister. "Where necessary assistance, provided under the operations of the Soldiers' Financial Assistance Board, will be made available. "The completion of the -programme outlined above will ensure that in the field force all officers and non-commis-sioned officers above the rank of corporal, and approximately 50 per cent : of the corporals, will have carried out five months' and the remaining personnel three months' continuous training by the end of March, 1941. After the completion of periods of continuous training all ranks will be required to undergo the amount of out-of-camp training specified under normal conditions."