AIR-RAID TRENCHES

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 January 1942, Page 3

AIR-RAID TRENCHES

REPLY TO GREYMOUTH CRITICS. I Reference to anonymous criticism made in the Press, regarding trenches dug for emergency purposes at Greymouth, was made at last evening's meeting of the Borough Council, and an official reply was forthcoming from the Engineer (Mr. A. J. Fairmaid). Reporting on emergency precautions, the Engineer stated: “Holiday leave was stopped during the Christmas period and, except on the statutory holidays, work proceeded upon the digging of air-raid slit trench shelters,' - as many of the men as' could be placed upon the work being so engaged. Work was commenced on Tuesday, December 23. and by Friday, January 9, 7172 lineal feet of trench had been excavated, two feet in width by three feet in depth. Further work is to be done, but die effect of the weather will assist and point to other requirements. At the same time, a suction pipe was put out into Karoro Lake for the use of the Fire Brigade in the event of lire at the Hospital, simultaneously with a shortage of waler due to any unforeseen emergency. To deal with a like emergency in the vicinity of the Government Housing Block, and other built-up areas close to Range Creek, in Cobden, three timber dams have been constructed in the creek. An emergency supply of tools and sundry gear has been placed in Cobden under lock and key.’’

i Cr. Saunders said that there had 'been some criticism by newspaper I correspondents as to the location of trenches, particularly those in Petrie Avenue, in the vicinity of the gasholders. He asked if the Engineer would indicate whether or not he considered the opinions of the anonymous correspondents were justified, in regard to the danger of digging trenches near the gasworks; also whether information was being prepared as to where the trenches were in the Borough, and the areas they were supposed to serve. If information were given to the public, added Cr. Saunders, it might stop the continual “harping” that was going on. It was alleged that some of the trenches were in wrong places, but the critics had not made any alternative suggestions. The Engineer said that the areas available had been used to get the required number of feet. So far as the trenches alongside the gasworks were concerned, there was very little danger from the gas stored in the holders. It would not explode, although it might burn. There had not been any great trouble from damaged gasholders in Britain. The gasholder was not full of an explosive mixture. There had been more comment regarding the proximity of trenches to the oil depots. It moresuitable land were available, he would be pleased to use it. He did not wish to put any more trenches in the Police Reserve, because they would make an easy target. That referred also to McGinley Park. He had placed the trenches where he thought they would be screened to a certain extent. Regarding the allocation of trenches, a survey was made at three o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon of the thickly-populated part of the Borough, containing the people who were away from their homes at the time. This area was bounded by the river, the railway. William and Boundary Streets, and the census produced a total of 2317 persons. In the event of an emergency, this total would probably be increased to 2500 by wharf labourers and railwaymen. He had drawn up a scheme for the allocation of trenches to different blocks. It could not, of course, provide that all the people would have an equal distance to cover, but it was as near as possible. The trenches would give. 2ft 10in space for each person. "

Cr. Saunders said that the census was taken on a fine day, when there were a lot of people in town, and 2500 would be the maximum number. The Engineer said that a fair number of country people were in town on Wednesdays. Some more-com-prehensive plans would be announced later, to inform people what they should do. Cr. Boustriclge said he thought that the Engineer had succeeded vciy well indeed in the siting of‘the trenches. There were really only two factors to be considered, (1) to site the trenches as far away as possible from objectives of military value, and (2) to get the trenches as close as possible to the people they wished to protect. They would be hard put to it, to find a more-suitable area, without requiring the people to travel a greater distance. There was proximity to some points which might receive attention from the enemy, but, in the circumstances, it was impossible’ to avoid that situation. Cr. Blanchlield said he did not think they could have got the trenches closer to the railway line m Petrie Avenue.

Cr. Boustriclge retorted dial the railway line was continuous, and it might be attacked a.t any point.

ALLOCATION OF TRENCHES. Following is the allocation of trenches adjacent to the business area, as arranged by the Engineer: Block 1: People from area bounded by Mawhera Quay, Mackay and Werita Streets, to go to trenches in Petrie Avenue, Tainui Street to Al[bert Street. Block 2: People from area bounded Iby Mawhera Quay, Werita, Mackay and Tainui Streets, to go to trenches in Petrie 4 Avenue, Albert Street io | Herbert Street. I Block 3: People from area bounded by Mackay and Tainui Streets and Railway to Petrie Avenue, Herbert Street to William Street. Block 4: People from area bounded by Tainui, Guinness and Tarapuhi Streets and Railway to Petrie Avenue, William Street to Victoria Park. Block 5: People from area bounded by Boundary, Mackay and Tarapuhi Streets, Railway, William and Leonard Streets, to Victoria Park. Elock 6: People from area bounded by Grey River, Tainui, Mackay and Gresson Streets and Lagoon to Gresson Street, vicinity and Police Reserve.

Block 7: People from area bounded by Mackay. Albert, Guinness and Tarapuhi Streets to corner Guinness and Tarapuhi Streets.

COBDEN REQUIREMENTS. Cr. A. H. McKane wrote, stating; that as he had been recalled tb; Christchurch and could not attend I the meeting, he desired to bring, before the Council the necessity of providing shelters in the event of j emergencies, for the aged and others i not physically fit to provide for them- ! selves. So far as Cobden was con- i cerned, he had made a note of those i who would require assistance. Hel gave the names and addresses of | nine women, with a similar number of children, and suggested that thel Council consider the matter and see i what could be done for them, and ' for others in similar circumstances, : not only in Cobden but throughout. the whole Borough. j The Mayor said that the question i had been discussed in committee. It i had been suggested that the matter j be referred to the wardens, but he I would like to suggest that those j persons who were able to assist should be asked to do so. If it were I only a matter of digging trenches to i accommodate a few individuals, it was a trivial job. j Cr. Herring said that the publicity ( given would probably bring some of- 1 fers of assistance. | The Mdyor moved that the matter

be referred to the wardens, and that an appeal be made to men residing in the vicinity, to render assistance in providing the small shelters required. Cr. Saunders seconded the motion, and it was carried.