EQUIPMENT FOR E.P.S.

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23585, 12 March 1942, Page 6

EQUIPMENT FOR E.P.S.

ingenuity shown in CHRISTCHURCH IMPORTANT ARTICLES PRODUCED Christchurch ingenuity andl technical ability are playing an important part in the equipping of Emergency Precautions Services in New Zealand. Instances quoted to the central com mittee at Christchurch yesterday by the chairman of the organising ex - tive (Mr W. Machin) were the Preparation of suitable masks for the headlamps of E.P.S. cars, the production of police whistles for the use of wardens, and the production of steel helmets. He said other required for the services were being made or obtained through the initiative of persons in Christchurch. Mr Machin made a general report on the way in which difficulties of procuring equipment were being overcome He said all their problems were not solved, but, through the co-op-tion of those who could assist, a solu tion to many had been found. He said it had been almost impossible to get whistles at one time, because they were made of metal, me possibility of using some plastic was then investigated, and it was found that one manufacturer of plastic goods could make whistles. Now they could be obtained in almost unlimited quantities, and the quality was satisfactory. Another, problem that had come before the organising executive was the need for a mask for the headlamps of cars which had to be out in blackouts. At the same time, there was the need for some indication that those cars had a right to be on the road. A suitable mask, meeting both needs, had been devised in Christchurch, and he had shown it to the National Service Department officers. They considered it was satisfactory, and he thought it would receive official approval. The masks, to be used on both headlamps, had slots six inches by half an inch which would give a fair amount of light. Perforations formed the' letter V to indicate an E.P.S. car. Army cars would have the letter A. The experience of Brigadier 0. H. Mead in the last black-out when he was stopped eight times by traffic officers showed that something of the kind was necessary. Mr Machin informed the meeting that the Government had ordered 46.000 steel helmets from England, but had not been able to obtain delivery yet. Inquiries were made in Christchurch, supplies of materials were found, two firms were now engaged in their production, one pressing out the helmets and the otncr making the linings.