HOME GUARD

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21689, 27 March 1942, Page 2

HOME GUARD

SUBJECT OF INQUIRY ACTION BY MR S. G. HOLLAND REMOVAL OF DISCONTENT (By Telegraph.—Pre3s Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday A telegram was sent yesterday by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, to the Prime Minister, strongly urging that a committee of inquiry be appointed immediately to investigate thoroughly the organisation, training and employment of the Home Guard. • Mr Holland said today that he had just returned from Auckland and several districts of the Waikato where he met leaders of the guard. Since his return to Christchurch he had been approached by two groups asking if something could be done to improve the position. “The representations cover a wide field, including training, equipment and the work to be done in an emergency,” Mr Holland said. “I realise there is considerable discontent and apprehension and accordingly made representations to the Prime Minister urging that the matter be made the subject of an exhaustive inquiry with a view to rectifying the pos : tion.” The telegram sent to the Prime Minister concluded: “The Home Guard consists of thousands of extraordinarily keen men anxious to render maximum service in the defence of New Zealand and they are entitled to the closest Government co-operation and assistance. At present Home Guardsmen feel, rightly or wrongly, that they have not'laeen properly treated or used to the best advantage. This is most urgent and should be dealt with immediately.” TO CONDUCT INQUIRY WAR COUNCIL COMMITTEE (By Telegraph.— Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, in a telegram to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, says: “Thanks for your telegram regarding the Home Guard, which restates a condition of feeling in the organisation that has engaged the anxious attention of the War Cabinet. “The Army authorities are endeavouring, to the best of their ability, to carry out the War Cabinet’s orders, but are handicapped in j various material way£ which I need not specify, but the difficulties are being overcome. “Much of the uneasiness, which is creditable to those concerned and arises their anxiety to do their best in the hour of their country’s danger, is due to a lack of full appreciation of what is being done. I am requesting the Minister of Defence to place your telegram before the defence and military affairs committee of the War Council for the purpose of that committee conducting the suggested inquiry, taking your telegram as a general order of reference.” The members of the War Council defence and military affairs committee are the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., Mr L. G. Lowry, M.P., Mr E. T. Tirikatene, M.P., and Major-General Sir Andrew Russell.