E.P.S. IN COROMANDEL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3099, 25 March 1942, Page 7

E.P.S. IN COROMANDEL

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE . PROPOSAL FOR ANZAC DAY A meeting of the central committee of the Coromandel Emergency Precautions Scheme Organisation was held in the county office, Coromandel, recently. Mr A. H. Benham presided in the absence of the controller, Mr C. C. Rae for whom an apology was tendered.

In the outward correspondence was read a letter to the Director of National Service regarding the appointment of deputy-controller as authorised by the last meeting. Mr King mentioned, that he personally made enquiries on this matter and had received a reply and asked if the matter could be dealt with at this meeting.

The chairman intimated that as no, reply had been received to the letter written by the county clerk to the Director of National Service, he ruled that no discussion could be allowed at this meeting; but he further stated that as soon as a reply was received

and if necessary, he would, get the controller to call a special meeting immediately.

Mr King expressed disappointment at the absence of the controller from the meeting.

It was then moved and seconded that the other business be proceeded with.

A report was received from Dr. F. Birkinshaw stating that first aid posts had been arranged for at certain points. Mr C. H. McKenzie asked that the matter of providing passes be arranged, also stickers for vehicles impressed. It was decided that ’5O steel helmets be applied for as a matter of urgency.

It was resolved that the secretary look into the matter of emergency coupons for benzine, also the supply of two-gallon containers for benzine. The fire brigade committee asked for six auxiliaries to be attached to the brigade. It was left with the fire brigade to make an inspection and see that sand is available for the public in an emergency, and tha appropriate action be taken where necessary regarding shelters for school children and the public.

The opinion was expressed that sufficient shelter be provided for all school children and that the question of protection of general public be left to individual discretion. A works committee was set up comprising Mr A. H. Benham and Mr W. J. Beech with power to add.

The appointment of assistant lighting wardens wps left to Mr Benham. The resignation of Mrs Murphy was received and Mrs Birkinshaw was elected to the position.

, A notice of motion was tabled by

Dr. F. Birkinshaw as follows: —“That Anzac Day parade be held at an early hour; arrange for some military man to give a short address and, when it is over every person signed on as E.P.S., Home Guard and Auxiliary, parade and demonstrations be given of various phases of the work being carried out. That every person give one day’s wages or its equivalent to a central committee.” The meeting then closed.