LACK OF PERSONNEL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20639, 15 December 1941, Page 6

LACK OF PERSONNEL

E.P.S. ORGANISATION HINT FROM MINISTER Chief among the difficulties discussed at the conference of Emergency Precautions Services representatives in Wellington last week was the lack of sufficient personnel to man all the civil-defence services. A hint that if the necessary numbers were not forthcoming compulsion would be resorted to was given by the Minister of National Service organisation, the Hon. R. Semple. The Gisborne delegate at the conference was Mr. N. 11. Bull, Mayor and chief warden, who returned home at the week-end. Thirty-five centres had delegates present, and a large number of subjects, chiefly raised in connection with trials held in various towns, were discussed at some lengths. The strain placed on volunteer organisations by the demands of the services was emphasised, and appreciation was expressed concerning the loyal, and efficient work of those now serving in various capacities. In reference to the need for additional personnel, the Minister stated that he would make a statement of the position in a few days, and that if the necessary assistance was not then forthcoming, there would be no hesitation in implementing the authority given by the emergency regulations. Mr. Semple added, however, that he had no doubt there would be a substantial response once the real position was understood by the public.