WINTER SHELTERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 134, 9 June 1942, Page 4

WINTER SHELTERS

"CASES OF FLOODING

NEEDS OF AGED PEOPLE

Air raid trenches dug last summer in Auckland parks, reserves and private gardens have been lately subjected to the first tests of wintei. generally with satisfactory results, but some cases of flooding have revealed where trenches were badly sited or inadequately provided with drainage. In some low-lying parts in heavy. clay formation a few trenches were filled with water bv the first winter downpours and have become unusable.

It was learned to-day that E.P.S. wardens had been making a survey of trenches unaer the changed seasonal conditions, and their inquiries had revealed that most property owners were alert to their needs. Many trenches were now timbered over or covered with corrugated iron, on top of which was a protective mound of earth. Some of the best constructed . were those at the schools, equipped with wooden seats and wooden planks on the floor, while the entrances were designed to shut out bomb-blast. The accommodation available for children in this way was reported to be sufficient to meet the needs of thousands in the metropolitan area. Because of the careful selection of the shelter sites, and the fact that schoolgrounds were generally in fairly elevated positions, together with the other factors, the school shelters set a high standard.

While private shelters conform to certain well-known requirements in regard to length and depth, there is much variety in their appearance. Some present an inviting aspect, suggesting a snug, dry interior, while others are of the type which one would enter only under the compulsion of immediate danger. Some people, community-minded, have pooled their resources and constructed larger trenches to be shared by two, three or even more families, and in blocks of flats' there* is provision for groups of occupants.

The most unfortunate individuals appear to be the elderly and infirm, and women whose husbands may have gone overseas. Some months ago it was stated that wardens and team workers of the E.P.S. would make the necessary arrangements to dig trenches without charge. With the aid of willing helpers an effort was made in this direction, but there still exist many instances in and around the city where people have appealed in vain for much-needed assistance. In one case " a woman over 70 years of age was left to dig her own trench, and some others whose applications were equally deserving have been disappointed at the lack of response.

In Mount Eden and other districts were back gardens usually cover a strata of rock, the construction of shelters has often called for the exercise of ingenuity as well as much physical effort. Many people have preferred to rely for safety on the protection afforded by nearby caves.