NEW ZEALAND HOUSE

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 October 1939, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND HOUSE

EMERGENCY BEANS MADE. LONDON, August 29. Al. New Zealand House every member of lite staff was informed of the steps to be taken in the. event of sudden emergency. The staff was divided into two groups, A anti B. it was arranged that oti the outbreak of war the A group only would report for work in the first few days. In the event of tile British Government moving its headquarters, it was stated that the New Zealand headquarters would be moved also to the same vicinity. In that event, the A

group would be the first to go. followed al a. later date by the B. The High Commissioner. Mr. W. J. Jordan, was kept fully informed of tile march of events by Sir Thomas Inskip, the Dominions Secretary, who frequently met the Eigh Commissioners of all the Dominions to report to them the ‘ tops taken by his Majesty’s Government.

Mr. Jordan a iso made mi inspection of the measures taken 10)' the protection oi’ the staffs at New Zealand House during, air raids. Some months ago the basement was strengthened and r o>]veiid into gasproof chambers. Another "rehearsal" was held this W( ok. ami the staff filed down to the

apwmted places. Mr. Jordan was ihormm.'i in his examination, and with liis war experience, made many helpful suggestions. The basement is described ;ts being ‘'reasonably safe."