MILITARY RESERVE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 21

MILITARY RESERVE

BUILDING UP HOME DEFENCE By Telenranii--Presj> Association WELLINGTON, October 28. The formation of a national military reserve of 1000 returned soldiers for home defence only in the event of emergency, is being undertaken by the defence authorities. Circulars inviting the enrolment of men aged from 40 to 50 years is being sent to members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association by the headquarters of the Association. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) stated that the idea was to have a nominal register of certain people who would be available for guard duty and similar classes of work should their services be required. Mr Jones added that offers of assistance in various capacities had been received from quite a number of returned soldiers, and it was thought that their services could be availed of in an emergency to perforin duties that were important, but perhaps not so strenuous as others that might have to be performed. In the circumstances enrolment in the reserve, said the Minister, would not entail service overseas, and no training was Involved. A somewhat similar reserve was formed some time ago for the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The secretary of the Returned Soldiers’ Association stated that some 30,000 copies of the circular were being sent out to returned men.