THE HOME GUARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23829, 3 December 1940, Page 9

THE HOME GUARD

FUNCTIONS OUTLINED PROPOSALS FOR TRAINING I CO-OPERATION WITH ARMY [BY TELEGRAPH" —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Monday The functions of the Home Guard in the event of its mobilisation for home defence were announced by the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, in an interview to-night. He said the War Cabinet had now defined the respective functions and responsibilities of the Army and the Home Guard. Reference was also made by the Minister to proposals for training members of the Home Guard. Mr. Semple said the Home Guard would assist the Army in the following tasks: (1) On the first threat of an invasion by completing defensive works under the direction of the Army and in co-operation with Army works companies. These units would undoubtedly expand on mobilisation and suitable personnel in the Home Guard would be ear-marked for this purpose. If additional labourers or men untrained in military duties, but physically capable of carrying out heavy labouring duties, could be organised in the Home Guard these would also be required to assist in carrying out the Army defensive works. Patrols on Beaches (2) The provision of beach patrols to give warning on stretches of the coast not covered by the Army. Until an emergency arose such patrols would carry out these duties only in the normal course of their daily occupation. For example, shepherds might be instructed to watch for any unusual shipping activity which was of a suspicious nature. (3) To oppose enemy landings on stretches of the coast not occupied by Army units and to hold on to previously prepared positions until the arrival of mobile Army units. The Army on arrival would automatically take over command of the sector, whatever the rank of the Home Guard officer might be. (4) To construct movable obstacles to delay the advance of an enemy who has effected a landing. Work of Demolition (5) Under the direction of the Army authorities, but not otherwise, to assist in carrying out demolitions and constructing "permanent obstacles. (6) Guarding vital points such as cable landings, oil tanks, bridges and important points on the lines of communications. (7) The Home Guard would be responsible for producing new sketch maps of coastal areas not included in the Army mapping plans. These sketch maps would show such information as local telephone communications, roads, tracks, defensive positions and obstacles. "Army Headquarters has already instructed' its officers to give every assistance possible to Home Guard units in the way of use of drill halls and training equipment," said Mr. Semple. Provision of Rifles "It is understood that the needs of the Army come first in this respect and assistance will be available only when the halls and equipment are not required for Armv purposes. It is expected that by the end of the present year there will be rifles available to form the nucleus of a supply to be used for training and emergency, and. in addition, consideration is being given to the question of obtaining for the Home Guard the use of the _ many thousands of privately-owned rifles in the country. "It should now be apparent," the Minister concluded, "that the Home Guard has been given a reallv responsible part in the scheme of home defence and that every man who joins up will be performing a service of vital importance to his country." ENROLMENTS IN CITY QUEEN STREET HUT ERECTED Enrolments in the Home Guard organisation in the citv area continued yesterday both at the 1 own Hall depot and at the new enrolment hut which was erected during the day in front of the Chief Post Office. The enrolments so far have well exceeded the 100 mark and it is anticipated that, with the new and convenient facilities for joining provided by the Queen Street hut, the first 1000 enrolments will be reached within a few days. Arrangements have been made for members of the Women's National Service Corps (New Zealand) to provide attendants in relays at the enrolment luit, These attendants will be authorised to accept enrolments and to advise intending members, while members of the Justices of the Peace Association will also be available to witness signatures.

SUBURBAN MEETINGS CAMPAIGN FOR MEMBERS A suburban campaign to assist the city's Home Guard recruiting was initiated last night with meetings at Avondale, Point Chevalier and Grey Lynn. Various speakers, who included the Mayor, Sir-Ernest Davis, outlined the purposes and training of the guard and emphasised the need for its establishment. At all meetings an opportunity was given for members of the audience to enlist and several hundred forms were 'distributed. Many men enlisted. Meetings will be held to-night at St. Helicrs, Kohimarama and Orakei. In addition, various local body authorities have arranged public gatherings for the same purpose. One will be held at Newmarket to-morrow night and on Thursday night there will be meetings at Milford. Buckland's Beach and Mount Eden. Others arranged by the central organisation in the city will be held tomorrow night at Ponsonby, Parnell and Remuera, and on Thursday night there will be a meeting at Epsom.