HOME GUARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24836, 9 February 1942, Page 6

HOME GUARD

UNDER ARMY CONTROL CHANGES IN ORGANISATION Several important changes "in the orv ganisation qf the Home Guard have become necessary following the taking over by the army of the direct control of these units. Group directors, who previously took their instruction from the district directors, will now work'in Jebflaboration with, and under the ;brders of,. the military area commanders. District directors will now act generally as advisers to the officers commanding military districts on matters, pertaining to the Home Guard. They, will also inspect and report on the training of units. • In the local area, therefore, the group director, Lieutenant-colonel -. F. B. Adams, will receive directions from the Area Xl'•, military area commander, Lieutenant-colonel J. G. Jeffery, instead of from the district; director, Colonel A. S. Bruce Smith, as formerly. .Colonel Bruce; Smith's duties, will now be directed by the commander of the Southern Military District, Brigadier O. H. Meadi : v V : ' : "' ''V" :: 'i"- v "■>. '•■' ■■

In addition to these changes, it is proposed to appoint a quartermaster, with the rank of captain or lieutenant, to the larger groups, and a quartermaster, with the rank of warrant officer (II), to the smaller groups. A permanent regimental sergeant-major is also to be appointed to each battalion. In view of criticism and comment frequently made, it seems desirable to point out that neither the district nor group directors receive any. remuneration whatever for their services. Everything is done by these men voluntarily, frequently at the sacrifice of their own domestic and business interests.