HOME DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23738, 19 August 1940, Page 9

HOME DEFENCE

EMERGENCY RESERVE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE CO-ORDINATION SCHEME Further steps to organise the civilian population of the Dominion to meet the war crisis or any other national oinergency that might arise, were outlined by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, in a broadcast talk last night. He described, in particular, the formation and purpose of the Emergency Reserve Corps, the Home Guard and the Women's War Service Auxiliary, and said that one or other of these offered a suitable sphere of service to every member of the community. Mr. Fraser, referring to the battle for Britain, said the Nazi attempt to destroy British resistance by swift assault had been a spectacular failure. The resolute strength of the men and women 'of Britain provided an inspiration to all and a noble example to the world. New Eegulations Mr. Fraser said that 011 Saturday new regulations had established the Emergency Reserve Corps, which would co-ordinate the various organisations giving national service. There would be no interference with organisations which were doing wonderful war work, such as the Patriotic Fund, the giving of comforts to soldiers and clothing tcT refugees. The Emergency Reserve Corps would include the Home Guard, the recentlyformed Women's War Service Auxiliary and any other approved body. The emergency precautions organisation, which ' had been successfully established in many parts of the Dominion, would form part of the Emergency Reserve Corps. All Males 16 Years and Over The Home Guard, said Mr. Fraser, would give men the opportunity of undergoing physical training in their own district. Membership would be open to all males of 16 years or over who were not actively attached to any of the defence forces. The work of physical training would be undertaken wherever possible by the physical welfare organisation of the Internal Affairs Department. The duties of the Home Guard would depend on circumstances. It would be most valuable to have a body, in addition to the Territorials, who could, for example, provide guards, pickets, patrols ana sentries, or be called upon to take part in coast watching. They could also aid in the transport of military forces, and form a reserve for the Territorial Force. In the event of an extreme emergency they would be embodied in the military forces by proclamation as a trained and fullyarmed body. Service in the * Home Guard would be entirely voluntary. Dominion Commander The Home Guard would be placed I under the direction of a Dominion commander, and there would be district, area and group commanders, all of whom would co-operate with local body committees. The enrolment of members of the guard would be made through local authorities. The Hon. R. Semple, Minister of National Service, the associate Minister, the Hon. D. Wilson, and officers of the National Service Department would visit all the main centres of the Dominion to discuss with local authorities the establishment of committees. The third part of the emergency scheme \<}as the Women's War Service Auxiliary, which had already been established, to co-ordinate all the existing women's organisations, and so prevent duplication and waste of effort. Women who did not belong to any existing organisation ■ and who desired to make some additional contribution to the war effort, could be enrolled in the auxiliary. It was not only for co-ordinating, but it was also hoped to assist in mobilising women for industry. The Prime Minister said that with the help of all this country would be secure in the face of any danger that might threaten. FOOTBALL CLUB'S RECORD [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Sunday The Hamilton City Rugby Football Club has 74 present and past members either serving with the armed forces or awaiting mobilisation.