TWO CLASSES TO BE FORMED

Southland Times, Issue 24500, 30 July 1941, Page 4

TWO CLASSES TO BE FORMED

REORGANIZATION OF HOME GUARD MEN FILL IN NEW FORM AT SPECIAL PARADE The first steps towards a reorganization of the Home Guard in Invercargill were taken at a special parade at the Drill Hall last night. In a short talk to the parade the Area Commander (Captain W. Bell) said it was proposed to divide Guardsmen into two classes. Class 1 could be described as a front-line, fighting force. It would comprise fit, single men beyond the age limit for overseas service and fit, married men with two or more children. All others, including unfit men, fit single men who would be called up for the Territorial or overseas Forces and fit, married men without children or with only one child (who would be the first two classes of married men to be called up), would be placed in Class 2 of the Home Guard. CLOSER TO WAR ZONE Captain Bell said he hoped that all members of the Guard would take their work seriously and attend parades regularly. New Zealand was now closer to the war zone than she had ever been, and there was every reason why Guardsmen should undergo their full training. Compared with many of the country units, he added, the Invercargill battalions were very fortunate. They had a good signalling section and an explosives section; they had among the officers many thoroughly experienced men, and through the generosity of Invercargill citizens they were provided with free transport. The situation in the country was in many cases not nearly so good. Captain Bell mentioned how appreciative the country units were of the instructional talks given to them from time to time by officers of the Invercargill Guard. At a recent meeting at Hedgehope there had been better than 90 per cent, attendance from the surrounding districts. NEW FORM FULLED IN To facilitate the reorganization each member of the Guard filled in a new form in which he was required to state, not only his name and age, but the number of his children under 16 and his physical condition. Men were asked not to declare themselves physically fit unless they were confident that they could stand hard training and, if necessary, solid fighting. Although 535 men attended the parade, almost an equal number was absent. All who failed to attend are asked by advertisement today to report at the Home Guard headquarters, Newburgh’s Buildings, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. tomorrow or between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday. The reorganization cannot become effective until all members have supplied the particulars required on the new form. HOME GUARDSMEN AND PENSIONS (Special) WELLINGTON, July 29. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) was asked today about provision for members of the Home Guard receiving pensions if injured during training. He said that Home Guardsmen were entitled under the War Pensions Amendment Act to the same treatment as serving territorials if injured as a result of undergoing training.