E.P.S. WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 6

E.P.S. WORK

THE MAYOR'S SURVEY

SUPPORT ESSENTIAL

SAVING LIFE AND PROPERTY

Full co-operation by every citizen with the E.P.S. was urged by the Mayor and Chief Warden, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, in a full review of its operations which he gave to the Auckland Rotary Club at its luncheon in Milne and Choyce's Reception Hall yesterday. In time of war the defence of the country was the most important matter, said Mr. Allum. Experience in the present war had shown that disorganisation of services, which affected everyone, was more demoralising than actual casualties, which affected only a limited number of people. It had also shown that with proper organisation many lives and much property could be saved. The organisation, of course, must have the support and cooperation of everyone. This lesson had been learned in London. Five People to the Acre Auckland was a large city with a t3mall population—less tlian_ five persons to the acre in the metropolitan area. It had wooden houses and many oldfashioned buildings with brick walls and wooden floors. There was & shortage of labour and materials for promptly carrying out much necessary protective work. The city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler, was leaving for Wellington that night to attend a conference of municipal engineers and others with the object of making arrangements to overcome the difficulty. : "Japan's entry into the war and her unexpected strategy and progress have created a serious position and have left us with, much less time to act than was at first thought," remarked Mr. Allum. All the 23 local authorities m the area were behind the present policy. All proper expenditure would be incurred and the Government was making substantial subsidies. Fire Watching Most Urgent The Mayor went on to describe the E.P.S. organisation, including the functions of the many technical groups. Regarding fire protection, he said that in addition to regular firemen there were 150 auxiliaries, one-third of whom would always be billeted at or near their posts. There were also 530 fire patrol cars, each equipped with a pump hose and sand gear. Probably both of these services would have to be mcreased. Thj most urgent job was to get an adequate number of fire watchers for city buildings and to see that equipment was provided, because it had been proved that incendiaries could be coped with 'if people were on hand to act immediately. Auckland's fire-fighting plant had been substantially strengthened with trailer pumps and other gear. It was proposed to make arrangements so that water from the harbour could be used, but this would depend on obtaining certain equipment. The building of reserve water tanks in certain danger areas was also being considered. Such tanks had proved most useful in London. "Do not forget: your most urgent jobs are to arrange for fire watchers and get the gear,'' added Mr. Allum. "If the business and industrial areas of Auckland were destroyed, the community would suffer in a degree that few people realise — and it can be prevented." Shelters for 54,000 Speaking of the emergency medical arrangements, Mr. Allum said that there were some 104 first-aid posts, many emergency ambulances and 250 ambulance cars. So far as raid protection was concerned, slit trenches and dispersal had been resorted to as temporary measures, and would be valuable in an emergency. Works done, in hand and proposed _ provided f<pr 54,000 persons, including 11,000 in trenches in the inner area, 3000 in the Parnell railway tunnel, 2000 in the Grafton and Domain Gullies, 18,000 in proposed shelters in 35 buildings, and '20,000 in the Albert Park tunnel system. The last-named, it was estimated, could be completed in four months, working day and night, and use could be made of it as the work proceeded. Survey work was in hand, added Mr. Allum ; and he would be amazed if construction was not started soon. Problems of Transport In a review of other activities, the Mayor said some hundreds of warden personnel had been attached to the police-for emergency duty, but he was not yet satisfied with their status, seeing that they would be called upon to guard against looting. He was also not satisfied with the arrangements for guarding vital points, but propertyowners concerned could help by employing watchmen. Transport presented the greatest difficulty, owing to the needs of the armed forces and the shortage of petrol. All taxis had been impressed take E.P.S. key men to the suburbs in the event of a day raid. Arrangements were being made to use buses and ferries for other personnel. He hoped that soon means would be adopted for keeping 1000 E.P.S. cars mobile. The total number of motor vehicles for which "notices of intention to use" had been issued was 3161, comprising 1044 trucks and 2117 cars. Domestic Shelters Needed The last two tests, although to the general public they might have appeared somewhat disappointing, really had shown that after an alarm the E.P.S. would come into action very quickly, although not everybody would be at his post. Every effort _ was being made to improve the warning sirens, and representations were being repeatedly made to the authorities in the hope that eventually the broadcasting stations would assist the warning signal. "My greatest wish is that all the precautions will be unnecessary," concluded the Mayor. His fihal exhortatioan was: See "that trenches are dug or air raid shelters built in every garden. See that blackout arrangements are perfect. See that fire watching is arranged.

ENROLMENT OF MEN

RUSH IN THE CITY

An augmented staff drawn from the Women's War Service Auxiliary was kept busy yesterday at the headquarters of the Emergency Precautions Service in Quay Street, handling many hundreds oi compulsory enrolment forms and helping callers to complete them. The greater portion of forms arrived by mail, but a large number of men preferred to call and obtain advice on doubtful points. It is expected that the rush will increase, since officially Thursday is the last day of enrolment. The period laid down in the regulations was shortened by the late arrival of forms from Wellington, and enrolling did not begin until Wednesday of last week. The number of completed forms received now runs into the thousands. Applicants will receive an official acknowledgment and advice of the time and place of the interview prescribed by the regulations. The present intention is to call up for v interviewing men who are likely to be required for service as fire watchers and fire guards on the premises where they are, employed or carry on business. Men by other technical groups will also bo selected, and in the next stage deficiencies in warden personnel in the city and other areas will be made up. Some men who are advanced in years or whoso health is indifferent have been expressing concern about the work they may be called upon to do. However, it has been intimated that in the interests of efficiency due regard will be given to both capabilities and disabilities in allotting duties.