CIVIL DEFENCE WORK PRAISED

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 1

CIVIL DEFENCE WORK PRAISED

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, September 2.

The work of the Civil Defence Organisation in the Nelson floods was deeply appreciated, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) said today.

"Because the organisation, based on sound planning, carried out its functions with efficiency, lives were saved, distress relieved, and morale maintained,” he said.

“What happened in the Nelson district last week-end could occur almost anywhere, and with just as little warning.

“The public will be relieved to know that a stepping-up of civil defence training and the dedicated service of volunteer workers resulted in a state of preparedness which was highly creditable to all concerned.”

Mr Seath said his impression of the outstanding work done in Nelson was more than confirmed by a report from the South Island regional commissioner (Brigadier J. T. Burrows), who visited the area yesterday. Firm control had been established as soon as it was evident that there was an emergency. The wisdom of vesting control in the local authority had been clearly shown and it was apparent that people had reacted favourably to efficient leadership at all levels. “I must pay a tribute to Nelson’s Mayor (Mr T. F. Horne) and his team,” said Mr Seath. “He took the lead as controller, and it is , evident that a grave and threatening situation was handled with strength and 1 skill by all concerned.

“The community responded wholeheartedly to broadcast appeals for volunteers, and it is especially pleasing to see the willingness with which youth offered its services,” said the Minister. Motor-cyclists had been organised into a messenger service, and there had been an outstanding effort by Venturer scouts, who had cheerfully accepted the dangerous assignment of patrolling the banks of a raging river during darkness, Mr | Seath said.