CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 4 November 1942, Page 2

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

NO RELAXATION IN CIVIL DEFENCE STATEMENT BY MINISTER Wellington, This Day. “There wilj, be no relaxation in civil defence preparedness over the Christmas and New Year holidays, in spite of the improvement of the position in the Pacific,” said the Minister of Civil Defence. Mr Wilson, replying to a question as to th<j Government's policy regarding civil defence activities, including fire-watchers, during that period “Unfortunately, the enemy is unlikely to refrain from attacking us because our people are in need of a well-earn-ed holiday,” said Mr Wilson, “and past events have shown that the element of surprise is one of the most successful methods of warfare. The need of the moment is for more training and sufficient equipment, and it will be necessary for all E.P.S. organisations, particularly those in more vulnerable centres, to ensure that sufficient membevs are on the alert throughout the holidays.”

Mr Wilson said it was not suggested that everybody should be prevented from taking a holiday. but a close check should be kept on the movement of personnel available in various E.P.S. units to ensure that sufficient are on hand during the holidays to deal with any possible emergency. The present travelling restrictions would prevent people from moving great distances from their homes, and many would be staying at home for the holidays. This should assist E P.S. planning for the holiday period. Every endeavour would be made to lighten the burden of the people on holidays, but not at the expense of national security.—P.A.