TE AWAMUTU COURIER. FRIDAY, 14th MARCH, 1941. THE HOME GUARD APPEAL.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 62, Issue 4402, 14 March 1941, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU COURIER. FRIDAY, 14th MARCH, 1941. THE HOME GUARD APPEAL.

WHILE there will be general endosement of the frequently expressed view that the cost of the Home Guard, being a national organisation, should be borne entirely by the Government, the fact remains that the powers that be, in pursuance of a mistaken policy, have ordained that this expenditure shall be carried by the various local bodies, plus what financial assistance patriotic-minded citizens may feel inclined or impelled to donate. The local Home Guard organisation, composed as it is of men filled with patriotic fervour to “do their bit ” in the best possible way and of men giving up much if not all their leisure time to drilling and thus fitting themselves for duties which may arise out of an emergency, is supported financially by the Waipa County- Council and the Te Awamutu Borough Council, but even with this source of revenue available—a source which is this year necessarily somewhat restricted on account of its not being provided for in the annual estimates —the need is for more funds with which to provide company parade grounds and orderly rooms, estimated to cost £5OO. To this end, the Battalion Comimander, Lieu-tenant-Colonel J,. G. Wynyard, has opened a subscription list, and, in an appeal published in Wednesday’s issue, asked all those who can and are willing to assist financially to subscribe thereto. Despite the frequent appeals which the war is occasioning, this is one that should commiend itself to all right-minded citizens. As practical illustration of the need, and of his desire to implement the appeal, the Lieutenant-Colonel himself, although he is giving voluntarily and without monetary recompense a tremendous amount, of his time—and of his own office staff as well—offers to start the list with a donation of £5, if others will follow suit. Here, then, is an appeal, backed by a practical response from its own organiser, and surely, with such an inspiring example, many will decide to “go and do likewise.” It has to be remembered that the Home Guard is one that, given a sufficient numerical strength, is capable of rendering efficient service in the role assigned to it, and that it should prove a valuable link in the chain of defensive forces in the Dominion. It is unfortunate that it has not been possible so far to provide either uniforms or equipment. The lack of these things is unfortunate, but will no doubt be remedied as time gives the opportunity. The appeal for- funds is to everybody, as it has to be remembered that the Home Guard is an organisation upon which is placed a heavy responsibility. In the event of any invasion, or attempted invasion, of the Dominion, its members will feel the first impact of the blow. It constitutes the first line of our land defence. It merits not only the goodwill of the public, but also a ready response to the appeal which Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard has felt himself constrained to make in its behalf.