If Evacuation of Wellington is Necessary

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 97, 24 April 1941, Page 6

If Evacuation of Wellington is Necessary

MAYOR OUTLINES PLANS Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 23. Plans which have been made for the partial evacuation of Wellington in case of damage by enemy action were outlined to-day by the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) who is chairman of the E.P.B. Mr. Hislop said there was no idea of a complete evacuation of the city but it might become necessary as a result of destruction of houses or damage to essential services to find immediate accommodation for a large number of people. If the damage were slight all the accommodation required could bo found locally, but if it were extensive the movement to the country of those rendered homeless would be necessary, lie had discussed billeting with representatives of Wairarapa and Manawatu and these bodies had now nearly com pleted a detailed survey so that they knew what accommodation was available and where each individual was to 'go if the need arose. The response bv j residents of the country areas, particular! v Wairarapa, was good. | Transport, Mr. Hislop said, would de pend on circumstances. It might ba ! possible to use the railway if not buses and cars. The people would bo sent to central points and then drafted to their temporary homes. The food supply service of the E.P.S. under the City Council purchase officer (Mr. N. J. Casey) had prepared a scheme for co-ordinating all the principal food supply organisations operating in the city. In an emergency it would be possible to send food with the people evacuated as well as meeting the local demand.