Emergency Precautions Scheme

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 297, 16 December 1939, Page 2

Emergency Precautions Scheme

ACCOMMODATING EVACUEES IN PAHIATUA A simple but comprehensive plan for arranging accommodation under the emergency precautions scheme was outlined at the County Council meeting by the Evacuation and Accommodation Controller, Mr. W. Hall Watson. Mr. Watson waited on the meeting asking for the co-operation of councillors in sotting up local committees in each riding to collect and file tho requirod information. The scheme was merely in. skeleton form, Mr. Watson added, but could be put into effect at a moment’s notice. If each councillor accepted, his responsibiliy would consist in convening a subcommittee representing the Women’s Institute, the W.D.F.U. and the local schoolmaster, to gather information which would be filed. The chairman (Cr. Bisset) pointed out that the attitude of the county was merely to appoint controllers and take no census of accommodation until the necessity arose, as the information so gathered would be out of date in six months’ time. In case of emergency, tho Women’s Institute and the W.D.F.U. would bo asked to collect information on billeting. Permanent Information “That appears rather haphazard," remarked Mr. Watson. “Our scheme consists of a card to fill in, stating the name and location of buildings available, with details of water supply, electricity, sanitation and cooking facilities. With this information a map of the whole district could be drawn up and filed ready for any emergency. It would not change in six years’ time. There is no question of asking people how many evacuees they could take," Mr. Watson continued. “That was tried in Palmerston and the response was disappointing. That information, too, would be out of date in six months’ time. The filing of the information as outlined would be a great machine lying dormant. It could be dropped and would then be available at any time. “Wo are only a small district," Mr. Watson concluded, ‘‘but it is up to us to show we can tackle the problem and carry it through efficiently. The appointment of a controller to collect the same information in the borough will bo made later." Cr. Bisset thought councillors would be prepared to undertake to compile such a survey as Mr. Watson indicated, councillors signifying their assent.