E.P.S. on Peacetime Footing

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 208, 2 September 1944, Page 7

E.P.S. on Peacetime Footing

The Emergency Precautions Scheme in Palmerston North was put on a peacetime basis on Thursday evening, at a m-ctirig of the E.P.S. general committee. The secretary, Mr. C. V. Day, presented a report on the reorganisation w.nch had been approved by tne Dominion autnonnes. He said tne only useful function that the E.P.S. could periorm in Tuture would be in an emergency brought about by earthquake, tempest or epidemic, however, there was a need for tne services of younger men as the E.P.S. personnel were ail elderly. It was decided to approach Major J. H. Mewett to see if the services of Home Guard members could be secured. it was also decided to call a meeting of representatives of the Health Department, Hospital Board, City Council, and Automobile /Association, to set up an organisation which would meet the necessities of an epidemic situation. Mr. Day and Mr. J. r-. McDavitt, his assistant secretary in the E.P.S., offered tneir services in the same capacity in the new organisation and they were thanked. Mr. W. H. Brown reported that the transport section was still intact and ready for any emergency. All tools and other equipment are to be kept in store by the City Council and the several E.P.S. sub-depots closed. Bucket pumps in the keeping of section leaders of the fire unit are to be called in. An application from the W.D.F.U. for the loan of tnree bucket pumps for the rest home at Awapuni was agreed to. A committee was set up to dispose of all surplus equipment (including medical supplies), purchased with Government subsidy. Mr. D. Black reported that the communications organisation was being maintained and Inspector H. Scott announced that the law and order section was still intact. The Mayor conveyed thanks to the leaders of the various sections and members, who had come forward ready to serve when the war crisis arose, and he felt sure many would continue to offer their services should a peacetime emergency arise. Life of Kingsford Smith In Film Columbia Pictures have decided to produce films in Australia, and for their first production have chosen the human story of the life and achievements of a great Australian—the late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. The film will be made at Cinesound Studios, produced by Mr. N. P Pery, managing director of Columbia Pictures, and directed by Mr. Ken Hall. As one of the first steps towards production, there arrived in Sydney this week, Mr John Stannage, who was co-pilot and radio operator with “Smithy”, on his transAtlantic and trans-Tasman flights. Mr Stannage, who married Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's niece, is general manager of Station 3ZB Christchurch. Realising the importance of such a film in its tribute t the pioneer of Australian aviation, the New Zealand Government consented to Mr. Stannage’s present visit to Australia to consult on the technical aspect of th< film with the producer and director. In a film test at Cinesound Studios to see whether Mr. Stannage could portray in the film the part he played in real life, the results were satisfactory, and therefore there is a very good prospect of Mr. Stan nage portraying himself in the film. Although hundreds of actors and actresses have been interviewed for the many parts in the film, the producer and director are so anxious that each role should be perfectly cast, that still further aspirants are sought from all types of men and women, both young and old. Only in this way can they be sure full justice has been done to the history of a great man. PILE TREATMENT. Hundreds write praising Zann pile treatment. Send 9d stamps now for generous trial treatment. Zann Pty., Box 9525, (B. M. Appleton, 154 JFeatlierston Street), Wellington.