HOME GUARD

Opotiki News, 15 October 1940, Page 2

HOME GUARD

NATIONAL SERVICE REPRESU ENTATIVES VISIT JO OPOTIKI Last evening Messrs Sinel and Hay. of the Department of National Service, Wellington, addressed representatives of local bodies, the R.S.A., Farmers’ Union and Trade Unions, at the Borough Chambers, and explained the purpose and operations of the Home Guard which briefly is designed to have available man power of the country organised to deal with any national emergency, including invasion or attack. All men over 1(3 years of age, being British subjects, who are not actively attached for the armed forces, may join. Physical training, drill, signalling, and guard work are included in the syllabus of training, the whole-Force being under the control of the Minister of National Service. Local bodies arc responsible for the formation of the Heme Guard in their particular area and in turn sub-committees will be established to deal with the varied sections and activities.

Major Sinel explained that the Home Guardsmen could be alloted duties in conjunction -with established Emergency Schemes. Enrollments for the Home Guard may be made at the Borough or County offices. A number of questions were answered by .the speakers and at the conclusion a vote of thanks was accorded them for the information imparted.