WELL IN HAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 276, 4 September 1939, Page 4

WELL IN HAND

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. CALL 9 MADE WHEN NECESSARY. STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR, “The position to-day is that we have every confidence that the Govern neat of New Zealand has got things '. <ry well in hand, and there is no need to take extraordinary measures, as far as we in Ashburton are concerned, in the meantime,” stated the (Mayor of Ashburton (Dr. G. I. Miller) to a “Guardian” reporter this morning. “Over the last few days, the civic authorities have been receiving confidential instructions from the Department of Internal Affairs, and from that and other information we have at our disposal we are satisfied that this country is very well prepared to meet all emergencies that might arise as a result of the Dominion joining with the Mother Country in the conflict. “When it is found necessary that further action should bo taken the people of Ashburton, I am sure, will answer readily when called on. ■ “In the meantime, the keynote of tho immediate future should be ‘Business as usual.’ ”• ENLISTMENTS ItoOER WAR. THE POSITION IN ASHBURTON. Enlistments of men who are prepared to serve on active service in the New Zealand Forces, are being taken at the Defence Office at Ashburton, where a number of men reported this morning. It is pointed out that as far as the National Military Reserve is concerned, people who wish to join up in the several classes tinder this heading should obtain enrolment cards at the Post Office and hand them in as has been donei in the past. There is no need for mein who want to join up with the Reserve to go to the Defence Office, where the staff is being kept very busy attending to many orders that have been made necessary by the actual outbreak of war

OFFER OF SERVICE®. SALVATION ARMY ORGANISATION An offer of the sendees of the Salvation Army organisation to the civic authorities in any capacity thought to be necessary as the Dominion is drawn closer into the war, has been made to the Mayor. (Dr. G. I. Miller) by Major Liddell, who has charge of the Army activities in the Ashburton district.

THE PETROL SUPPLIES. RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED TO-DAY. From the middle of this morning, the sale of petrol in Ashhujvto.n was restricted to two gallons to each vehicle for the following 48 hours. It was stated that at the expiry of that time, new regulations are to be issued, and licences will be necessary before petrol can be purchased.

FIRST AID CLASSES, I TO BE STARTED TO-MORROW; First aid classes are to be started in Ashburton to-morrow and appeals to members have been sent out by a number of local organisations. “This is a duty to everyone at the present time,” said a prominent official. “Wo do not know when the work might bo needed and it is well to be prepared.” There will he classes in the afternoon and in the evening, and each will be held in the Baptist Schoolroom.

INCREASED GROCERY SALES. NO SIGNS OF SHORTAGES. Perhaps with memories of the days of tho Great War, when many household requirements were on short ration, housewives in Ashburton this morning greatly increased the sales of sugar, tea, rice, sago and tapioco and such commodities at the local grocery stores. It is stated that there is as yet no sign of a shortage in these goods, and that there is really no reason for hoarding, while prices have been fixed and there sho\ild not be any difficulties in that direction. Only one restriction on amounts that can he purchased lias so far been imposed; this is a limit of 121bs in sales ’of sugar.