Emergency Not Now Held So Remote

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 6

Emergency Not Now Held So Remote

Press Association. WELLINGTON, May I. In addressing a meeting of the police section of the Emergency Precautions Scheme last night, Superintendent Lopdell said that the possibility of an emergency arising was regarded by the majority of the people until only very recently as very remote. “ Unfortunately,” he said, “we are coming to the conclusion that it is not so remote.” Mr. Lopdell said that where shells were most likely to be dropped was round wharves, shipping, railway buildings and yards, freezing works and other similar objectives. It was stated during the evening that 600 additional men were required for the emergency police. Must Be Military Nation. “We must bo a military nation, otherwise we shall fail; we are a small nation and we must be prepared to defend ourselves,” said the president of the Hastings branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr. P. J. Priest) at the annual meeting. “We had this hurry in 1914, and it was only by the grace of God and good luck that we got through,” declared Mr. Priest. “But how much better it would have been if the Empire had been ready. How many lives would have been saved?” Home Guard at Manawatu Heads On Tuesday evening an enthusiastic meeting of the Home Guard was held at Manawatu Heads. Interesting lectures covering the field of fire, fieldcraft and of parts of the rifle were given, also an instruction on the now typo of physical training. Arrangements have been made to give further demonstrations of Molotov cocktails and to try out jam tin bombs for the flrst time on Saturday afternoon. It is hoped to have a good muster to enable members to accustom themselves in the making and handling of these weapons. Members of other units are welcome.

Heavy Maize Crops. Following the request of the Internal Marketing Division for additional areas to be planted in maize to meet the New Zealand shortage, Gisborne district farmers have responded so well that compared with last season the local yield is expected to be greater by about 10,000 sacks, reaching between 50,000 and 55,000 sacks. Part of the increase is a result of a favourable season, but the greater part is due to additional areas put into crop last spring on an assurance from the Government that the market price would be on the same basis as for last year’s crop and that an outlet would be found for all maize produced,