ROYAL TOUR Police Instructed To Help Children

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30043, 30 January 1963, Page 12

ROYAL TOUR Police Instructed To Help Children

(NX Press Awociation—Copvri»*t) WELLINGTON, January 29. The Commissioner of Police (Mr C. L. Spencer) has told his men to give all possible help to children in the coming Royal tour, but to take “firm action” with queue-jumpers and persons pushing to the front at the last minute.

"The coining visit is an outstanding event io the lives of the people of New Zealand, particularly the children.” Mr Spencer said in instruction! to the police issued today. “To the police, the Royal tour will mean extra duty, including hours of tiring crowd control. From experience I know that hours of standing in the heat or maybe rain can be tiring and irritating for both police and public, especially fathers and mothers with children. “I ask each policeman to be patient and courteous and to take action with the queue-jumper and the person who pushes to the front at the last minute.

"Although our first concern is for the safety and comfort of the Royal couple, all of our members should ensure, within prudence and safety, that no person or child leaves his area disappointed at not seeing the Queen and the Duke.” Police have been told to go out of their way to see that children and invalids get a good view of the Royal progress. As far as possible children will be brought to the front

of the crowds, and policemen will talk to them while petrolling their sections of the route. They have been told to be as informative as possible. The St John Ambulance Brigade has arranged with the police for invalids to be placed in specially-selected positions The Police Department has asked that the public be reminded that there will be rows of children in front of them, and that any surging effect will hinder the police in their main job, the protection of the Royal couple. Police are to be ready for any emergency. At Waitangi where it is expected to be very hot, they will carry water bottles to be used in cases of fainting. Special “lost children” rooms will also be set up.