THE HOME GUARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23837, 12 December 1940, Page 12

THE HOME GUARD

POOR RESPONSE ONLY 1000 CITY MEN COMMITTEE DISAPPOINTED Enrolments for the Home Guard in Auckland have been disappointing, and instead of thousands, only .100 a day have been made. Sir Ernest Davis, chairman of the Auckland City Home Guard Committee, said last night at a meeting in the Town Hall concert chandier that the total was only 1-100, of which 1000 were citizens in the city area. The apathy was inexplicable, he added, in view of the potential dangers with which the country was laced. Sir Ernest said that before the organisation was undertaken the committee had satisfied itself thp-t the scheme of defence was sound, that the need for such a defensive body existed, and that. it. would be only a question of making the appeal to have the ranks of the guard tilled. Although the response so far had been poor, endeavours would be redoubled and an intensive publicity campaign begun. "To all eligible citizens, the appeal is now renewed that they recognise their responsibilities, and fill the ranks of the Home Guard without delay." stated the committee's report. "The object of the Home Guard is to back up the lighting forces to the hilt." The committee appealed for at least, a further 1000 guardsmen front the city area before next Thursday. Thus, four battalions would be established. The committee acknowledged its indebtedness to the Women's National Service Corps, the Women's War Service Auxiliary, and the Justices of the Peace Association for their help since the campaign began.

SURPRISE CIRCULAR j RAILVVAYM EN IN GUARD QUESTION OF PRECEDENCE Uailwaymen at the Otahuhu workshops were; encouraged recently by a circular letter from a Government department to join the Home Guard, but on the distinct understanding, they were told, that, if necessary, their departmental work must take precedence in emergency. The circular was read by a speaker at a meeting of Home Guard sub-committees at the Townfc Hall concert chamber last night, and caused surprise, the chairman. Sir Ernest Davis, saying lie. had not heard , of it previously. The man who read the circular said that hundreds of raijwayinen at the i Otahuhu workshops were puzzled with ! the information, and wished him to | liud out what the circular meant, j (J,atighter.) Sir Frnest said he would have the j matter investigated at once and supply i the answer as quickly as possible. ! FURTHER ENROLMENTS MEETINGS IX SLBLI'US Further enrolments in the Home Guard were received at meetings held in several suburban districts last night. Lieutenant 1L G. .\rniitage, of the Home Guard, addressed a well-attended meeting at J'apatoetuc, where 50 men were enrolled. About 150 persons attended a re- I cruiting meeting at King George's Hall, Mount Albert, last night, when 40 enrolments were received. The meeting was presided over by the Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. H. A. Anderson, and the speakers were Mr. T. I!. Congalton, Mr. A. S. Richards. M.R., and Major M. McDonell. Over !-.> men enrolled at a meeting at Mount Eden. which was addressed by Major A. I . Dow, district organiser of the Home Guard, and Mr. W. T. Audi iron, M.P. The Mayor, Mr. R. .1. j Mills, addressed a meeting ol Borough ; Council workmen at the workshops 1 yesterday afternoon. .'(5 enrolling. MERGER PROPOSAL WAIKATO MOBILF FORCE [l'ltOM Of It OWN CORRKSPONDKNt] II AM JI -TON, Wednesday A circular letter has been Sent by Mr. I). I). Wilson, chairman, and Mr. W. L. Ranstead. secretary, to all leaders of the Waikato Mobile Force, Emergency Precautions Volunteers, •; recommending that all members of the | organisation should join the Home | (iua rd. In an explanation, the officials state that the emergency organisation was formed for one purpose, the defence of the country. Beginning as a lighting force in June last, it grew until its objective was the organisation of the whole civil population. The scheme was adopted by many local bodies, and widespread interest in it was created throughout New Zealand. When the Home Guard regulations were introduced in August, great confusion existed as to its functions. The position was greatly clarified in a radio talk by General Sir Andrew Russell on November 10. and following this the Minister ol National Service, the Hon. li. Semplo, was urged to make a statement. The oHioial duties of the Home Guard were announced on December d, and from this statement it was clear that as far as the rural areas wore concerned the objectives ol the Home Guard and the Waikato Mobile Force were the same. It meant that the main objective of the Waikato scheme had been achieved, and that its plan had been officially recognised. The fact that it had been given another name did not, matter. It had been accepted by the Government and given the name of the Home Guard. The officials staled that it was impracticable to have two organisations having the same object, and it had been decided to advise all leaders to transfer the Waikato .Mobile Force to ihe Home Guard, and to request them to do their utmost, both in spirit and in practical endeavour, to make tlio Home Guard an effective first-lino defence for .New Zealand.