RIFLES TO BE IMPRESSED

Southland Times, Issue 24420, 28 April 1941, Page 6

RIFLES TO BE IMPRESSED

All Weapons Of .303

Calibre

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 26. The Government has decided to take steps to obtain possession of all pri-vately-owned .303 rifles or parts and an impressment order under the Emergency Reserve Regulations will be gazetted immediately, according to an announcement made by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser today. Mi’ Fraser pointed out that there wore now at least 100,000 men in the Home Guard and the arming of this large force was a difficult task and in the existing circumstances presented a major problem. It was, therefore, imperative that every rifle in the country should be made available to ensure that, as far as humanly possible, the Home Guard was adequately trained and equipped to meet any situation that might arise. Mr Fraser added that the impressment order covered all privately-owned .303 rifles of all makes and unserviceable rifles of this calibre should also be handed in as it was quite possible they might be repaired. Provision would be made granting persons who could satisfy the Minister that they were urgently required, permission to retain their rifles until further notice. Applications for the retention of rilles would receive careful consideration. All rifles impressed will be held on loan and would be returned in good order or be replaced. Mr Fraser urged all who had rifles in their possession to take thern to the nearest police station without delay.