EVACUATION OF CITY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23477, 4 November 1941, Page 8

EVACUATION OF CITY

EMERGENCY PLANS FIVE CAMP SITES CHOSEN IN COUNTRY The selection of camp sites for the accommodation of persons evacuated from Christchurch in the event of emergency has been completed by the accommodation section of the Emergency Precautions Services. The section was asked to budget for a possible 12,000 evacuees, and in a report to the executive of the organisation it speaks of the “spontaneous co-operation” of property-owners in the areas selected. Five camps, three in the West Melton district and the others at Kirwee, have been chosen as presenting the most advantages in geographical situation and resources, and buildings that can readily be adapted to urgent requirements. A wide area was surveyed before the selection of sites was made. The construction of the necessary camps in the shortest possible time is a responsibility that has been undertaken by members of the Canterbury Carpenters’ and Joiners’ Union. On an emergency call being made these men will assemble at the Trades Hall with a small kit of tools and a day’s rations, and they will be transported to the camp sites. Schedules of the material required are kept on record with the supplies committee of the organisation, which will, on call, collect and transfer the material to the camps.

A complete survey has been made of the facilities available and the facilities to be provided, and the section is now appointing the administration personnel. The numbers estimated to be able to be accommodated in the respective camps is as follows:—West Melton Hal) and Domain, 2000; Mr Langdale-Hunl’s properly, 1000; “Devon Downs,” 2000; Kirwee salcyards, 2000; Kirwee Domain, 5000. In addition, it is estimated that 1500 persons could be billeted in the Darficld-Kirwoe district. An inspection of the selected sites has been made by* the accommodation committee, which expressed itself as thoroughly satisfied with the choice made by the accommodation sub-sec-tion.