The Times MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 1943. E.P.S. Rearrangement
The rearrangement and semi-demobilisation of the E.P.S. made in this city is in keeping with the changed circumstances of the Pacific war. One criticism that might be made is that the decision is rather belated, but that is of no great moment now. The point is of interest that Palmerston North is considered by the authorities a vulnerable centre. That is understandable for the fifth city of the Dominion and one probably possessing the No. 1 railway centre.
The fact that the transport division of the E.P.S. no longer ranks as essential is particularly in keeping with the changed circumstances. When a Japanese attack and actual landing for invasion was contemplated as a possibility eighteen months ago, the purpose envisioned for the transport was to evacuate citizens. Certainly there is no need now for such organisation. The most that can be contemplated as a risk to this city, or the Dominion as a; whole, is a hit-and-run raid, possibly by a few swift cruisers with their damage extended inland by use of light bombingplanes.
Indeed it might lie said now of the E.P.S. that its purpose would be more to safeguard the community from natural than from military damage. The economy of the country is strained in many ways by the war effort so that the disaster of an earthquake, cyclone or great flood would be much more severe in effect to-day than under normal circumstances—not only upsetting to ordinary living hut also by its affect on the war effort of the country. The continuance of a sound. organisation such as .the E.P.S. provides a means whereby any such natural disaster could be met competently and swiftly, and on that ground the decision to maintain the organisation in a semi-demobilised condition is a welcome one. Over-training would have to be condemned for the reason that this would make undue demands upon personnel, which will now be avoided.
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 205, 30 August 1943, Page 4
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325The Times MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 1943. E.P.S. Rearrangement Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 205, 30 August 1943, Page 4
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