AVAILABLE TO SERVE IN HOME GUARD

Southland Times, Issue 24754, 27 May 1942, Page 5

AVAILABLE TO SERVE IN HOME GUARD

609 MEN CLASSIFIED Of the men in Southland between the ages of 35 and 50 who have registered for service with the Home Guard, 609 have been classified as available for immediate service, and it is expected that they will be posted to the Guard shortly. These men are not serving in the E.P.S. organization or in any organization connected with the defence of the country, and they have not claimed exemption on medical grounds.

In all 3266 registration forms for the Home Guard have been received at the office of the Southland Man-Power Committee. In 1355 of these the men registering claim that they are already members of the E.P.S. organization, and in 950 a claim is made for exemption on the grounds of health. Of the remainder of the men who have registered, ' 352 are definitely exempt for various reasons, excluding those of health.

STATEMENT ON APPEALS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 26. When the first of the appeals against calling up for service with the Home Guard was being heard by the ManPower Committee yesterday it was indicated that only in exceptional cases would exemption be granted. The need for having every man in New Zealand trained was stressed by the chairman. The position concerning appeals was set out in the following statement: “The National Service Department advises, in respect to the calling up of men for Home Guard service, that the Army will endeavour to carry out the necessary training with as little inconvenience as possible to employers and employees. It is pointed out that there are few occupations, even in essential industries, which would prevent a person carrying out at least a minimum period of 24 hours’ training in each month. In these circumstances an appeal should be necessary only in exceptional cases.” During the hearing of appeals the point was raised about long hours being worked, to which it was explained that provision was being made to have training carried out according to circumstances. The main thing was that all men possible should have some training. Six hours a week in that direction were regarded as time that could well be put in by most men.