EMERGENCY SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23738, 19 August 1940, Page 9

EMERGENCY SCHEME

CONTROL IN THE COUNTIES WHAKATANE ORGANISATION [from our own cor respondent] WHAKATANE, Sunday "Earthquakes in rural areas in recent years have demonstrated the need for being prepared to cope with the confused and dangerous conditions which arise following disasters, and, furthermore, unexpected developments in the war situation could quickly, involve this country in the sphere of conflict," said the chairman, Mr. J. L. Burnett, in introducing the subject of an emergency precautions scheme to a special meeting of the Whakatane County Council. Mr. Burnett said the Government was preparing regulations (referred to sby the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, during his recent visit to Whakatane), which will repose in county chairmen the office of county controller, with supreme authority. In approving the draft scheme for this county, the Under-Secretary, Internal Affairs Department, said it would be appreciated that, while the regulations do confer great powers on the county chairman in the event of an emergency arising owing to enemy action, the military authorities W9UM, of course, be supreme, with- military requirements taking precedence. The county chairman would have full authority in civilian affairs. The powers conferred on the county_ chairman would not in any way override the powers of police officers. Mr. Burnett's scheme provides for militia training, transport, evacuation, law and order, traffic control, communications, supplies, nursing and accommodation. In regard to the militia, provision is made for the establishment or eight troops, each of one hundred men. Mr. Burnett said troop commanders and senior officers would be appointed by him. ..... Mr. Burnett said present indications were that 800 militiamen would be required. with a further 300 for transport, law and order, traffic, ipatrols, communications, supplies, nursing and accommodation. A check has made on the number of motor vehicles which could be used in the event of an emergency.