EMERGENCY PLANS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 147, 3 April 1941, Page 3

EMERGENCY PLANS

ASHBURTON ARRANGEMENTS

MEN NEEDED FOR NEW CORPS. ■ ■■ ‘i ■ part in evacuation of city. In the evacuation of Christchurch the Ashburton County will not be . used until tlio country between the Rakain and Waimakariri rivers has first been utilised, stated a letter, from Mr A. R. Galbraith, of the Christchurch Emergency, Precautions Scheme, received at a meeting of the central executive of the Ashburton scheme last evening, Mr Galbraith enclosed a plan of the evacuation area in the County between the Rangitata and Rakaia rivers and the main railway line and the foothills. It was decided to write to the Christchurch, body pointing out the advantages of Ralcaia as a distributing centre for evacuees compared with Metliven.

The arrangement of committees to receive'oVacuees in country districts was left to'the Ashburton County Council. The Mayor (Dr. J. Connor) said that a. dodger appealing for support of an emergency precautions corps had been distributed throughout the .Borough and had met with the “magnificent’ response of 14. enrolments at the Di Hall last Thursday and three since. A corps of from 150 to 200 was required. «fr H. G. Kemp (Controller of Public Works and Utilities) supplied the names of many tradesmen available lor his part of the scheme. As practically none of these men were yet in the Emeigency Precautions Corps Mr Kemp suggested that the Mayor communicate with the firms whose men were concerned so that he (the Mayor) could make a personal appeal to them. Some discussion took place about members of the Home Guard who veto in Mr Kemp’s list, the Town Clerk (Mr R. C. Major) pointing out that lie could not accept them as Emergency Precautions workers. 'Mr G. A. Gilchrist (Controller ol Supplies) said that people did not know where they were in this respect. The matter was not pursued further.

The Christchurch Emergency Eire Service advised that the Ashburton district was a part, of the Christchurch Fire Command. information about fire-fighting preparations was request - ed.

It was decided to reply that voluntary firemen had been enlisted for training with the Ashburton Voluntary Fire Brigade and that as well as the Borough fire-engine* the County Coun - cil’s plant and staff were also available. Reports of further steps-taken by the -Publia Works and Utilities, Medical, Accommodation and Evacuation and Communication Committees were received. . ~

For the Emergency Fire Services, Mr H. Hefford (Superintendent of the Ashburton Volunteer Fife Brigade) said the training of the special volunteer firemen, would commence as soon as uniforms were available foil' them. He urged that two bucket pumps be

purchased and also hosing if the opportunity offered. It was decided to recommend to the Borough Council that two- bucKet pumps ho ordered. Mr J. B. Cullen (controller of Transport) said the activities of his committee had been, delayed by the impressment of motor vehicles.

Considerable discussion took place on the adapting of meter vehicles for the purpose of carrying stretchers.

Air Gilchrist (controller of Supplies) said the old Presbyterian Church had been adopted as the central reporting point. Members of the Bakers’ and Butchers’ Association had been coopted in the committee. Mr Ward stated that lie had about 50 runners or messengers available for the use of the committees. The Mayor advised Hie controllers that, they should bring their deputy controllers to the meetings. .The Mayor reported that the snu 11 executive committee had mot on. Tuesday evening and the drawing up of the completed scheme for the Ashburton district had been started.

In view of the fact that a large number of evacuees might have to he fed and eared for in Ashburton for a period, it was decided to solicit the aid of the Women’s Institute.

. Senior-,Sergeant J. F. Cleary (controller of Law and Order and Fire Protection) said he had not yrt> received the names of the men. numbering about 30, who were to assist, the police These names would, however, lie obtained as soon as possible. The Senioiv Sergeant undertook to control '.lie wardens for the Borough.