HOME DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 2

HOME DEFENCE

CHANCE FOR ABLE MEN KEEN MATAMATA COMPANY (Special to Times) MATAMATA, Thursday , The Matamata Defence Company was inspected at its weekly parade by Mr F. W. Doidge, M.P. for Tauranga, who expressed pleasure and surprise at the number on parade and the ability with which the various exercises were carried out. There were 160 men on parade, in the charge of Mr R. J. Bennett, president of the organisation. The usual programme of physical exercises was carried out, followed by a ceremonial march-past by the company, led by the Matamata Citizens Band. There was a large attendance of the public. Mr Doidge said the Government was proceeding with all possible speed with plans for a big scheme of national defence, and every man who could handle a rifle would have the opportunity of joining up. Companies such as that at Matamata would find the training they were doing most valuable in the task that lay ahead. Importance of Production While defence training was very necessary, continued Mr Doidge, the importance of primary production could not be too greatly stressed. There had been reports that some items, meat for example, would not be wanted, but he assured his hearers that every thing would be needed. It was unfortunate, but true, that Britain had first to smash Europe by blockade and after victory had been won, proceed to rebuild it. The starvation and hardship in Europe at the end of the present conflict would be much worse than after the Great War, and we must be prepared to do our share in providing necessary foodstuff.