AIR RAIDS ON N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22676, 3 April 1939, Page 4

AIR RAIDS ON N.Z.

GOVERNMENT TAKING

PRECAUTIONS

ELABORATE MEASURES

NOT INTENDED

PRIME MINISTER DEPRECATES

ALARMIST STATEMENTS

(PBKBS ASSOCIATION TZbZOBAK,) WELLINGTON, March 3L When the attention of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J, Savage, was drawn to recent activities in various parts of New Zealand over air raid precautions generally and protection against gas attacks in particular, he said that for some time past the Government had had this problem under consideration and had obtained the best advice concerning protective measures, if any, that should be taken in New Zealand. “The conclusions to which the Government has come have been reached after careful consideration of existing and prospective conditions by naval, military, and air advisers in this country and In Great Britain,” he said. “We have not shut our eyes to the possibilities. Full consideration has been given to every contingency, and our .expert advisers are agreed that there is no need at present for this country to make elaborate preparations against air raids and gas attacks. “Much publicity has been given to steps taken In the United Kingdom to meet the threat of danger from the air, but expert advisers state it cannot be emphasised too strongly that the degree of risk from aerial attacks in Great Britain is very many times greater than it is in New Zealand. The geographical advantages of New Zealand, however, do not justify a policy of complete indifference. The Government has therefore made essential preparations and, in the development of these, is already giving training in certain measures of anti-gas defence.

“The personnel to whom such training is being given are police, health authorities, fire brigades, traffic inspectors, and first-aid institutions. This Instruction is under the control of the Army Headquarters in co-opera-tion with the Department of Internal Affairs. As far as the wider problem i ' general disorganisation caused by air raids or other attacks is concerned, the Government Is not leaving things to chance. It is taking steps now to advise local bodies and others concerning safeguards. “The activities of all organisations will be co-ordinated so th t in the event of national emergency, although remote, the whole country will be linked up in an efficient plan of safeguards and defence. I must therefore deprecate the publication of alarmist statements or the preparation of schemes for the extensive provision of air-raid shelters or for evacuation of the populations of larger cities, I can only repeat that such measures are not at present necessary.”