E.P.S. Services

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 17, 21 January 1942, Page 3

E.P.S. Services

RAILWAYS ORGANISATION A branch of the Emergency Precautions Scheme is in operation in Palmerston North for the purpose of protecting property and members of the railway services. It comprises three units, police, fire and ambulance. Some time ago the executive committee of the Wellington Emergency Precautions Scheme railway unit visited Palmerston North for the purpose of inaugurating the plans among railwaymen of this city. The scheme has been successfully launched and at present that are nearly 100 members in the three units. The railway section of the E.P.S. will in time of an emergency relieve the Inspector of Police of the need to provide for the patrolling of railway premises. This work will be allocated to approximately 25 members who have volunteered for this service. The department has supplied a number of lire-lighting appliances to combat •fires in the incipient stages and the training of the unit is in the capable hands of a qualified fireman who is now a member of the railway service. Practices for this unit liavo already been held for instruction in the use of the appliances. For a number of years the staff has been efficiently served by a unit of the <St. John Ambulance Division Overseas (Railway Division) and for the purposes purposes of rendering assistance during a time of emergency a dressing station has been set up and equipped by the department. In addition to the male members who comprise the Railway Division, a number of women have volunteered in the capacity of nurses. The units are well served by a strong executive and the various branches are sufficiently advanced in the knowledge required to render immediate service m caso of need.