Civil Defence Role For Scouts

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32016, 17 June 1969, Page 18

Civil Defence Role For Scouts

Proposals for the role of scouts and venturers in the Christchurch combined district civil defence scheme were approved in principle at a meeting of the Canteroury Area executive, held for the first time at the Blue Skies, training centre, Kaiapoi, during the week-end.

It was stated that combined districts had been divided into 76 sectors, all but three based at State primary schools, and the remaining sectors at community halls at Brooklands. Spencerville, and Kainga; each sector will be under the control af a warden. Seout groups were planned to work with the nearest one or two sectors, according to the matching of scout group areas with civil defence sectors. Close liaison would be established between scouters and sector wardens. The 76 sectors were grouped for control purposes into nine sub-areas, each based at a high school and controlled by a sub-area warden. . The proposals recommended that scouts should be employed generally in pairs or threes if numbers permit, to boost morale, particularly at night, and to ensure an adequate number to carry out

tasks. In the sections for headquarters, welfare, first aid and ambulance, light rescue and wardens, they could be used as runners, guides and assistants. Recommendations for venturers, boys of 15 and over, included work as messengers, crowd controllers, supervisors. stores distribution, stretcher bearers, reconnaissance ' assistants and light rescue. Scouters were recommended for the organisation and welfare care of the boys.

The proposals emphasised that when a state of civil defence emergency had been declared, the warden would be in complete control within his sector. Operations would be carried out under his direction and be would be kept fully informed of progress and events. In answer to questions, it was explained that the boys at primary and intermediate school* would be asked to first return home, in the event of an emergency, and change into uniform as a means of identification. The use of scout buildings has not yet been discussed with civil defence authorities. The proposals were signed by Mr J. Forrer, civil defence officer, and Mr R. Kingston, scout field commissioner, who was authorised to undertake the organisation of details within the proposals. The Area Commissioner (Mr H. Millard) presided over 50 members and especially welcomed the area patron. IMr G. Bums, who extended his congratulations on the movement’s progress, and commended the public response.

Area and district reports were received and warrants were presented to J. L. ClarkHall, D. Taylor, P. Gibbs (district commissioners), D. Dennison, M. Stowell (assistant district commissioners), J. O. MacLeod (part 2 wood badge).