E.P.S. AFFAIRS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 August 1942, Page 2

E.P.S. AFFAIRS

INSURANCE OF MEMBERS,

Speaking to a “Star” representative to-day, Mr. G. R. Harker, District E.P.S., Controller, stated that proposals had been made to the Government that E.P.S., personnel, whether engaged in trials or in an actual emergency, be covered by insurance from the time of the sounding of the siren until their duties have been completed. Mr. Harker added that it was considered probable that the Government would endorse the proposals, and take the necessary action for the full coverage of E.P.S., personnel. Mr. Harker stated further that all branches of the E.P.S., including .W.W.S.A., Red Cross, and St. John Ambulance workers would have to be registered as members of the E.P.S., to qualify for the insurance coverage. . Discussing the shortage of personnel in the Greymouth E.P.S., as a result of the withdrawals for Home Guard etc., Mr. Harker said it would probably be necessary to use women members extensively in the E.P.S., for . such sections as wardens, transport drivers, traffic control, and the like. In Timaru, twofifths of the members of the E.P.S., were women, and according to the Controller there, they were 100 per cent efficient.

Mr. Harker stated that while _in Christchurch recently at a meeting of District. Controllers of the Southern Military District he had met Mr. Bodkin, Minister for Civil Defence, who had stated that he would be visiting the West Coast at an early date. Mr. Hamann, who arrived some time ago from England, to act in an advisory capacity in connection with the E.P.S., will also visit Greymouth shortly, and he will give illustrated lectures on E.P.S. work in England.