RUNANGA E.P.S. TRIAL

Grey River Argus, 26 November 1942, Page 8

RUNANGA E.P.S. TRIAL

The Runana Emergency Precautions Service held its first complete trial on Saturday afternoon. There was an attendance of over 200 members, almost 100 per cent, of the active members. At one 'minute past two o’clock, the alarm was received at the Post Office from Christchurch, being immediately delivered at headquarters by the postmaster. Almost as soon as the alarm sounded members of the various units reported for duty. The first warden’s report, which came from Block 10 (Mr A. Auld), was received at eight minutes past two. The reports then continued to come in and the clerical staff were kept busy receiving and discharging messages under the supervision of Mr Jas. Anderson. The headquarters staff worked efficiently. During the afternoon the District Controller (Mr G. R. Harker) and the Mayor (Mr D. S. Kennedy) visited the various units. The Mayor of Greymocth (Mr F. A. Kitchiingha’m) and Dr. D. M. Logan (Superintendent of th P Grey Hospital) were other visitors. From reports to hand all units performed their allotted tasks to the satisfaction of the controllers, and although a few deficiencies were noted these will bp remedied bv future trials. The District Controller expressed satisfaction with the afternoon’s performance. The following units tpok part: Wardens. Works, Medical (this included the Hospital Staff, and V.A.D’s., St. John Ambulance and Red Cross), Law and Order with Identification Squad, Supply. Fire Brigade, Plunket Aids, Signallers and Desnatch Riders. Canteen Workers and over 20 schoolboys who acted as runners. Cups of tea with sandwiches were distributed during the afternoon by members of the W.W.S.A., who als.o supplied workers for the St. John’s Brigade, Canteen, Hospital, First Aid Stations, and Headquarters.