CARE OF EVACUEES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 85, 21 January 1942, Page 4

CARE OF EVACUEES.

IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY. METHVEN COMMITTEE FORMED. Proposals for suitable provision for the reception and welfare of persons evacuated from metropolitan or other areas in the event of emergency were considered at a meeting of residents of Methven and destricts, held on Monday evening. Messrs J. Carr and C. A. Campion (local members of the Ashburton County Council) attended. Mr Carr explained that the Council was anxious to have some organisation to take control of any exacuees sent into the district.

Mr J. W. M. Dart (who presided) was appointed controller of the scheme. A representative committee was formed with Mr A. W. Bremer as secretary. It was decided that the main assembly point be the Methven railway station, from which all necessary motor cars would transport people to jthe lorries allotted. In the event of bad weather or other delays the town hall and other halls would he used temporarily.

It was also decided to utilise the services of the Women’s Division of tho Farmers’ Union and Women’s Institutes to make a canvass of all residents to allot accommodation, those with cars to provide transport .

It is understood that residents accommodating evacuees will receive recompense.

Tho question of providing necessary emergency rations was left to tho Controller and secretary.

On receipt of advice of evacuees being sent, a general alarm will ho sounded by a 10-minute ringing of the Anglican and Presbyterian Church bells. Provision to advise country people of any emergency was left in the Controller's hands, to interview the local postmaster to arrange, if possible, tho calling of all party telephone lines by a special ring.