STATUS OF HOME GUARDSMEN

Southland Times, Issue 24862, 30 September 1942, Page 5

STATUS OF HOME GUARDSMEN

COUNCIL DISCUSSION The question whether Home Guardsmen are soldiers was raised at the meeting of the City Co uicil last night when the tramway manager, Mr A. v. Carman, suggested that Home Guardsmen who had not been issued with uniforms should be allowed to travel on the trams for a penny to and “ orn parades on production of a pass from the commanding officer. Mr Carman stated that Home Guardsmen in uniform were entitled to travel for one penny. Cr J. Pickard said he did not know this concession had been granted to Home Guardsmen. Cr A. Scott: I thought it referred only to soldiers, not to Home Guardsmen. Cr Pickard: If Home Guardsmen get this concession so should members of the E.P.S. Cr W. Aitchison: Every soldier' in uniform is entitled to travel on the trams for a penny and a Home Guardsman is a soldier. “Home Guardsmen are soldiers ana the first line of defence,” said Cr R. T. Parsons. “The E.P.S. is different altogether.” Cr Aitchison: If the Japanese landed here the Home Guard would be called upon to defend us. The town clerk, Mr W. F. Sturman, said that the previous resolution of the council was that all members of the armed forces in uniform should be allowed to travel for a penny. The tramway manager’s suggestion was approved.