E.P.S.

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 115, 16 May 1941, Page 2

E.P.S.

MEETING OF PAHIATUA COMMITTEE At a meeting of the Borough Executive of the E.P.S. the controller, Mr. Hall Watson, was in the chair. Also present were Mesdames R. C. Austin, C. N. Carrad, Hall Watson and Messrs. J. W. Greaves and W. L. Tattle. Full discussion took place on all information that had been received from the Government regarding this section of the emergency precautions scheme and all matters considered necessary for the complete operation of the scheme in this district were decided upon. .Samples of evacuee identilication cards, special armbauds, register and record saeets were examined, and the number required estimated. A request is to bo made to the council to obtain these. Definite instructions to the public for the action to be takeu in the event of a disaster within or outside Pahiatua were formulated. These are to bo included in the householders’ circular which is being printed for the Emergency Precautions {scheme. The result of the inquiry made to householders in the borough and county as to the numoer of evacuees from other centres who could be accommodated in case of emergency was as follows: I'ahiatua Borough 305, MangahaoB.illunce 121, Makairo-Kohinui 128, Mangaone-Tane 17, MangatainokaKtiawhata 114, Kouini 99, Tararua-Yvaiwere-Nikau-Mariina 75, MakunKuitawa 109; total 9Gs. There is little doubt that if the necessity arose the number could be substantially increased. In the event of a large number of evacuees arriving the depot would be temporarily transferred to the Drill Hall, where hot refreshments would be served while evacuees were waiting their turn lor transport. It was also suggested that each evacuee be given a postcard to be posted immediately to an anxious friend or relative advising of his or her whereabouts. It was decided that the central depot of the organisation should be the Public Trust Office. The organisation within the borough itself is as follows: —Mothers and babies, llunket nurse (Miss Tiukebum), Plunkct Society (Mrs. H. Paterson); school children, School Committee (Mr. G. G. TayloT); medical, nursing and health, Red Cress Society (Mr. B. K. Siddellsj, V.A.D’s. (Mrs. L. T .Herbert); sanitation and sleeping quarters, Health Inspector (Mr. Swain) and two assistants; sewing and laundry, Church Guilds, Lady Gal way Guild (Mrs. W. A. ißsset); kitchens, Women's Division (Mrs. Gilbert), Women’s Institute (Mrs. E. B. Watson); social and religious activities, Patriotic Entertainers (Mr. J. W. (ireaves), Ministers* Association (Mr. Moore). In regard to these various subdivisions the committee felt some concern as to the effect on the organisation already existing caused by the Women’s War Service Auxiliary through the possible enrolling in the latter body of local citizens whom the local E.F.S. would depend on in the event of a state of emergency.