COMPENSATION FOR E.P.S.

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23750, 23 September 1942, Page 2

COMPENSATION FOR E.P.S.

/ 4 LIABILITY .EXTENDED

“FROM SOUNDING OF ALARM”

“Thousands of people in our organisation will welcome this announcement." said Mr W. Machin, chairman of the organising executive of the Christchurch Metropolitan E.P.S.. when referring yesterday to a report in the “Civil Defence Bulletin” for September of the extension of liability for compensation to members of the Emergency Reserve Corps, Liability for compensation for injuries or death while on duty is extended to the period beginning from the sounding of the alarm (for a trial or actual emergency) until personnel leave their posts to return to their homes or ordinary places of employment. “We have been plugging at the Government for a long time on this question," said Mr Machin, "but we have not yet received any official intimation of the change of policy. The Government promised to advise us if any change was made, and it is a little surprising to have to learn of such an important matter from the bulletin.” He added that a letter from the Minister of Civil Defence (the Hon. W. A. Bodkin), dated as late as September 2. stated that the matter of compensation “was being reviewed b v the Government." and concluding: “You will be advised in the event of any amendments being agreed to.”