PROTECTION FROM GAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22351, 24 February 1936, Page 12

PROTECTION FROM GAS

INSTRUCTION IN ENGLAND ST. JOHN AMBULANCE WORK The steps being taken in England to .prepare the civilian population against gas attacks in a possible future war were referred to by Colonel J. L. Sleeman, chief commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas, during an address to a parade of the Auckland divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon. Colonel Sleeman said that for years England had not done anything in that direction, as she had hoped that the hideous weapon of war would be abolished. When, however, it was seen that other natiofis were taking full precautions to guard their civilians, the British War Office last j*ear had requested the brigade and the Red Cross Society to give instruction in gas protection. If the Government of New Zealand desired similar instruction for the people in tho Dominion the brigade would be prepared to assist. In England, said Colonel Sleeman, the people were being taught how _to use gas masks. They also were being instructed in the procuration of the masks at reasonable prices, in the erection of gas shelters and in methods of purifying places where gas had been used.'The major point to remember was that gas attacks were necessarily limited in scope and if tho people knew how to protect themselves while the attacks lasted and take subsequent remedial measures the chances of escape were considerable.

New types of "mustard" gas were expected to be used in the next war, Colonel Sleeman added. If dropped on macadam roads or concrete pillars some of these gasses would remain active for four days and a man, although heavily shod, would have his feet blistered in a very brief time.