E.P.S. CONTROL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 10 March 1943, Page 4

E.P.S. CONTROL

NEW PAID OFFICER APPOINTMENT OF LT.-COLONEL K B. TENNENT MR W. GOULD TO DIRECT TRAINING The appointment of a chief executive officer at a salary of £2OO per annum, and the setting up of a training unit in line with the new civil defence policy, were among the decisions made by the central committee of the Nelson Emergency Precautions Service, at a meeting in the Municipal Chambers last evening. The new officer is Lieul.Colone] K. B. Tennent.

The meeting was also addressed by Mr W. Gould who attended the three weeks’ course at the Civil Defence Course at Wellington in February.

The chairman of the Central Committee, Mr J. A. Harley, presided. The chairman explained that the committee had had comparatively short notice of the Training School to be held in Wellington. When no one else was able to go Mr W. Gould had agreed to represent Nelson at the school, but he had received no remuneration, only expenses, contrary to rumours which nad been circulated. Mr Gould said that those attending the school at first had little idea of what the training would be, but it proved very interesting. It was hard going, however, and the subjects were heavy. There were ten subjects, but it was explained that the scheme was not for “knocking back” E.P.S. work, but for co-ordinating it, and to be worked in conjunction with the present schemes. Mr Gould referred briefly to training methods which had been explained in a circular already distributed. He said that the intention was that lectures would be given by leading njen on that subject, for example, a member of the St. John Ambulance on first aid, and a fireman on fire-fighting.

Trials should be made as real as possible. There should not be a general “blitz” of the whole area at once, as not even the enemy could do that. The idea was to make each man competent to help in another unit if that unit was struck. In such an eventuality as a theatre being struck by a bomb the medical section would be overworked, but if the general E.P.S. could assist with stretcher-bearing it would make it much easier for the medical section. By the time the units had completed the course every man in the E.P.S. would be more capable of assisting the man “next door.” Most of the subjects would be useful throughout life. It was not very much to ask anyone to devote an extra 30 hours in six months for training, especially as it would be for their own benefit. The chairman thanked Mr Gould for the information given. Whatever personal opinions might be the leaders of the fighting services must have advised that the scheme was necessary and we must accept that recommendation. The District Controller had submitted the executive committee’s recommendations to the National Service Department, and the Regional Commissioner. said Mr Harley, had been notified that the department did not approve of any paid training officer. This applies throughout New Zealand. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED The meeting went into committee to consider the recommendations of the executive committee, and on resuming adopted the following recommendations:

1. That the necessary steps be taken to give effect to the proposals submitted by the National Service Department in respect of the E.P.S. establishwent‘land training scheme and that for this purpose the following general polbe adopted:— (a) That in respect of each of the six front-line units, the Unit Establishment consist of (1) the full male strength of the unit, and (2) those female members of the unit in respect of whom the Unit Controller is of the opinion that a course of training is desirable having regard to their respective E.P.S. duties.

(b) That in respect of all other units, the Unit Establishment be the full strength of the unit with the exception of those members who may be assigned to a Mobile Squad. (c) That it be a recommendation to the Training Unit that a Mobile Squad be formed from those units who are not required to report for duty on the sounding of the alarm.

(d) That the Harbour Unit be incorporated with the Works Unit for the purposes of training. (e) That it be a recommendation to the Training Unit that arrangements be made as soon as possible for some training to be given in such subjects as first aid, fire, resuscitation and chemical warfare to members of the second line units and that such training be given in conjunction with the units’ monthly parades. 2. In view of the expressed wishes of Mr W. Gould, that he be recommended to the District Controller for appointment as local training officer for the time being. 3. That Lieut.-Col. Tennent be appointed Chief Executive Officer at a salary of £2OO per annum, subject to his duties being limited to approximately four hours daily and subject also to the conditions of appointment and schedule of duties approved by the executive.

4. That a Training Unit be constituted as follows:—(a) An executive consisting of Messrs L. Robertson, chief warden, P. C. Hurst and the local training officer, (b) A unit training officer to be appointed from each of the six front-line units on the recommendation of the respective unit, (c) Such instructors as may be appointed by the Training Uni Executive from such organisations as the St. John Ambulance, the Fire Brigade, the Army. etc. (d) The Chief Executive Officer.

5. That every possible effort be made to give effect to the foregoing recommendations so that the organisation may be ready to put the training course into operation on the date to be fixed by the National Service Department. DEPUTY LOCAL CONTROLLER The chairman said that his title had now been altered to Local Controller. It would be necessary to appoint a deputy Local Controller, and he moved that the name of Mr F. Mitchell (present E.P.S. secretary) be forwarded to the Nelson City Council for appointment as deputy Local Controller. The motion was seconded and carried. Details of the new E.P.S. establishment and traini\3 were published last week. The front-line unit strengths for Nelson have been recommended as follows, with the present roll number in parentheses: Wardens 160 (190); Law and Order 80 <69 males, 5 females)'; Communications 80 <52 males. 36 females); Medical 160 (70 males. 122 females): Fire 160 (59 males, 9 females); Works 160 <B4 males, 9 females).