THE HOME GUARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24080, 26 September 1941, Page 8

THE HOME GUARD

PART OF THE ARMY ORGANISATION PROCEEDING (S.R.I WELLINGTON, Thursday "Ear-reaching changes are involved in the decision that the Home Guard shall function as part of the army and these are being implemented speedily by tho army authorities," said the Minister of Defence, the Hon. E. Jones, to-day. "Several principles inherent in the Home Guard of Britain have been adopted," the Minister said. "Eirstly, the New Zealand Home Guard remains essentially a 'home' guard in that the operational role of its units is the defence of the areas at or near their homes; secondly, it remains essentially a voluntary force, although members who attend special courses will, as stated by Mr. Nash, receive Territorial Force rates of pay for the duration of those courses; and, thirdly, it is now a part of the forces of the Dominion and accordingly will be equipped, trained and provided with commissioned and non-commissioned officers. "The clothing and equipping of the Home Guard, involving a considerable amount of work, is proceeding and some items alroadv are being issued in large quantities. The third batch of 6000 pairs of boots is now at the point of delivery. In addition to rifles, provision is made for machine-guns and an adequate issue of ammunition for training and for a war reserve. "Some special tasks have been allotted In the Home Guard in a general mobilisation. Certain personnel of those Government departments, such as Railways, Post and Telegraph, which are already closely associated with the armed forces, will, on mobilisation, be given Home Guard status. Thus there will be formed at once certain lines of communication units, such as signals and auxiliary transport companies."