HOME DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23810, 11 November 1940, Page 10

HOME DEFENCE

— ' JOB f6r everyone. AVOIDANCE OF CONFUSION RETURNED SOLDIERS' SERVICES In urging everyone who could do so to enrol with the Home Guard, the lnspector-Genor.nl of the New Zealand Military Forces, Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, in a national broadcast last night, said that in an emergency it was those who had no job who created confusion and disorder and got in the way. Sir Andrew said the first duty and responsibility of the Homo Guard was to have everyone knowing what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency. The more people who had a definite job the better. Only a wellorgnnised and well-ordered body could hope to maintain order and discipline. Alter speaking of the duties _ of tho Home Guard in co-operation with the air-raid precautions scheme, such as transport control, assistance to the fire-fighting services and possibly ambulance work, Sir Andrew dealt with what he termed the fighting side of its work. The whole of the Dominion's coastline would be mapped out in sectors, so that each unit of the Homo Guard, National lteserve or mounted squad would know what part of the coastline it was responsible lor. If a landing was made by an enemy, the Home Guard unit'nearest to the point would hold them until assistance arrived. . Sir Andrew said the services of returned soldiers would be particularly valuable to tho Home Guard. It would not be what.it could be. and should be, without their help. He asked members of the Home Guard not to be disappointed if there was delay in their obtaining tho equipment they would like to have. The Army would do all in its power to help.