Call For Greater Efforts In Civil Defence Preparations

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 12

Call For Greater Efforts In Civil Defence Preparations

(New Zealand Press Association

WELLINGTON, Sept. 17. Local authorities had a duty to protect their citizens against major disaster by planning, preparing, and maintaining civil defence schemes in their areas, the Minister of Civil Defence (Mr Gotz) said at the weekend. “Many authorities are carrying out their duty very well,” he said. /‘Others are holding back, allegedly waiting for a lead from the Government. The Ministry of Civil Defence is already performing its part, but it cannot, and should not, do everything. The success or failure of civil defence in an emergency will depend largely on the preparedness of local authorities.” The role of the Government was to develop a national scheme of civil defence by co-ordinating local and regional schemes, and to supplement the efforts of local authorities. Mr Gotz said. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, were ever-present risks in many parts of New Zealand. Noone could say when and how modern warfare would strike New Zealand. The ultimate purpose of the civil defence organisation was to protect people against those hazards.

“Legislation to define the roles of local and central government in civil defence is at present under coue’deration,” said Mr Gotz. “Li’al authorities will be called upon to play a very important part in civil defence.

“Considerable progress has been made in planning and preparing many civil defence schemes.” said Mr Gotz “Some local authorities have tested their organisations, cr are almost ready to do so. The planning and preparation of others is well advanced. South Island Progress “In the South Island local authorities for civil defence have been grouped, on the advice of the commissioner for the southern region, into 27 areas, each one a city or borough and its suburbs, or a country and associated boroughs." Grouping of local autmrities was also being planned by the regional commissioners in the North Island. “Much of the progress made so far can be attributed to the lead given by the Ministry and the activity of its regional commissioners. Although it would be unfair to ignore the valuable comributions made by many local authorities and other organisations,” said Mr Gotz “Since the early 1950's the Government has been urging local authorities to evolve emergency schemes. In 1959 the Government put forward suggestions for a national scheme of civil defence coordinating all local and regional emergency preparations. “Further regional planning has since taken place and regional headquarters are being established at Auckland. Palmerstc- North. Christchurch, and Dunedin These headquarters will comprise a team of senior Government district officers and a Fire Service officer working with the regional commissioner. They will marshall all resources necessary for an area stricken with disaster

“The Ministry has also done much to put the national scheme into effect and to assist local organisations to plan their emergency measures Planning of the role of the central civil defence organisation is weli under way Technical details of civil defence matters. including shelters, are being studied bv committees of specialists. The

establishment of a standard warning signal for use throughout the country is being investigated. “The regional commissioners, who have all studied civil defence in Australia and are able and eminent men well fitted for their jobs, are travelling extensively advising local authorities and explaining the steps necessary to establish local organisations.

“The regional commissioners have been working on these matters for a little over a year. They have achieved a great deal, but it must be remembered that planning and organising schemes for national and regional and local civil defence take time,” Mr Gotz said.

Other civil defence preparations made by the Government include sending nine officers to courses at the Australian School of Civil Defence. gathering a library of information on civil defence from many parts of the world, and preparing and distributing instructional booklets. Equipment Imported

Equipment for monitoring radiation had been imported and demonstrated. Other equipment had been ordered and would be demonstrated by the regional commissioners.

During October and November courses for controllers of civil defence groups would be conducted at Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson. Courses for the controllers of North Island groups would be held later.

Mr Gotz said arrangements were being made for surplus Government stores to be made available to civil defence organisations. Ambulance stretchers had already been distributed and further equipment would be supplied later. Certain basic items, including identity passes and arm bands, had also been issued to local civil defence units. Arrangements had been made for the Order of St. John and the Red Cross Society to train civil defence personnel in first-aid and home nursing when local units were ready for instruction.

A pamphlet containing useful information about conditions likely in a major emergency, and the steps the public could take at such times to help themselves and others was being prepared for distribution to all householders

“Planning, preparing and maintaining civil defence schemes can be achieved at surprisingly little /expense to local authorities,” said Mr Gotz. “What is required is sensible planning and co-ord-ination of men and women and use of equipment and resources already at the disposal of the central government local authorities and private concerns. “Civil defence organisation can make all the difference between life and death in an emergency. The Government and many local authorities are doing their share of planning and preparing emergency measures. It is time for those who have been slow to get started to fall into line.”