TOTAL EFFORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24213, 3 March 1942, Page 6

TOTAL EFFORT

DOMINION DEFENCE t * HAMILTON MOVEMENT MUNITION FUND ESTABLISHED (0.C.) HAMILTON, Monday A statement that the members of the Home Guard now had authority to arm themselves in the best way they could was made by Major A. A. McLean, adjutant of the Hamilton .Home Guard, at a meeting held to-day to discuss ways and means of arousing the public of New Zealand to a sense of the danger in which they stood. The meeting was convened by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Mr. A. M. Bisley presided over a large and representative attendance. Major T. H. Melrose, commander of the Hamilton H orae Guard, advocated the arming and training of every ablebodied man in New Zealand to enable an invader to be adequately resisted. He urged unity of purpose, the rousing of New Zealand people to a sense of the danger, the elimination of "red tape," the making of munitions and every weapon that could be devised, and the inculcation of a belligerent spirit which would cause people to fight and pay. He added that at its present strength the Home Guard was totally inadequate to do all the work that would be required of its members in the case of an emergency. There should be a dawn patrol in every town and on every part of the coast constantly on the watch. Complete Mobilisation Mr. J. Marnane asked why all the factories in New Zealand were not engaged on munitions work. Mr. W. R. Shattock advocated asking the Government to declare a state of emergency and to mobilise the whole manpower and wealth of the country lor the war effort. He also urged the cancellation of all awards. The following resolution was carried unanimously:— "That this meeting expresses grave concern at the lack of co-ordination of our war effort and urges the House of Representatives to unite under the leadership of an inspiring and qualified War Cabinet. "That this meeting draws attention to the necessity for the compulsory training of every able-bodied man in the use of weapons of war with the exception of specialist and key men required for service in the E.P.S. Use of All Factories "That duties and training under the E.P.S. be compulsory for all its members, including those unfit for other military training; that every foundry and factory in New Zealand be directed to utilise all available materials which can be improvised for the manufacturing of effective war weapons; that every available factory or workroom suited for making clothing and requirements for our forces be utilised immediately; that red tape and inefficiency in all our national life be pushed aside for unrestricted action." Finance, research and publicity committees were appointed to work in cooperation with the Home Guard in carrying out Major Melrose's suggestions. A donation of £IOO was received in the room, and it was stated that £2OOO had now been received or promised for the Hamilton Home Guard's munition and weapons fund.