PROTECTED PLACES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20477, 11 February 1941, Page 4

PROTECTED PLACES

KAITI WORKS GUARD MINISTER EXPLAINS Steps to safeguard the Kaiti freezing works from damage by saboteurs have been taken by the Government in association with the works management, and with the district police authorities, according to an explanation received by the district executive of the Farmers’ Union from the Minister of Defence, the Hen. F. Jones.

The Farmers’ Union executive proposed recently that a military guard be assigned for the protection of the works, and the Minister’s statement is in reply to that proposal.

“I have to inform you that the present position is that freezing works have been declared protected places under the protected places emergency regulations, and watchmen have been appointed to patrol and keep a watch generally over the works, and in particular over the vital parts, e.g., the engine-rooms," the Minister writes.

“These watchmen work in close co-operation with the local police autTTorities, and fairly extensive powers have been accorded to them under the provisions of the regulations.

“These arrangements were adopted after discussion of the situation by the Government with representatives of the Freezing Works Association, and it is considered that they are reasonably adequate.

“It will be appreciated that it is not possible for the Government to provide military or special police guards for every point of importance in the Dominion. The main function of the military forces is to deal with any enemy that may attack our shores, and for this reason it is essential that there should be as little dissipation as possible of these forces.”