THE HOME GUARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24194, 9 February 1942, Page 2

THE HOME GUARD

Sir, —It was most gratifying to readyqur article in the Herald"of February 3 re the Home Guard, and very heartening to know that the Army is now wholeheartedly behind- us. Oh, if we could only be sure that the Government was solidly behind us. Some of its members undoubtedly are, but it must be judged as a whole, and as a whole it has failed. We are asked to go out to the coast digging trenches and gun posts, etc., jn our Saturdays and Sundays, while those employed in digging city trenches for E.P.S. are claiming wages and overtime and getting it. We have to pay ourselves for any benzine we use for Home Guard purposes, and for this patriotic work the Government not only makes -a profit of lOd on every gallon used, but also charges us income tax. In this solemn hour of such grave danger to the country, one has every right to demand that the Government put the safety of the country Aefore that of any section of the community, but this Government has not the courage so to do. Everyone capable, including the C.O.'s, should be made to put in so many hours each week free digging for safety. Why leave it to the few ? Guardsman.