E.P.S. CHANGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24633, 12 July 1943, Page 2

E.P.S. CHANGES

ALL-BOUND REDUCTION UNIVERSAL TRAINING CEASES (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Saturday Far-reaching changes involving considers Ole reduction in service for the Emergency Precautions Scheme and Emergency Fire Scheme personnel have now been decided upon by the War Cabinet, the Minister of Civil Defence, the Hon. D. Wilson, announced to-day. The changes, he said, had been made possible by the continued improvement in the general situation in the Pacific, and were based on a careful review fol-

lowing the adjustments made in the Territorial Force arid Home Guard. It was still necessary to guard against possible danger from enemy action, and consequently in the rearrangement decided upon adequate provision was made to retain efficient civil defence machinery which could act promptly if needed. Some to be Retained As it was considered that the danger would apply more to the main centres and secondary ports rather than to inland centres, basic establishments were to be retained only in the areas likely to be subjected to the kind of eneniy action contemplated, and to, rely on the civic authorities entirely in other parts of the Dominion to maintain a sufficient organisation to meet any contingency, such as earthquakes and floods. As there was no guarantee that the general position would not deteriorate, the Emergency Precautions Services would have to be maintained under the general jurisdiction of the Minister of Civil Defence, so that it could function if emergency arose. War Cabinet had decided that the training programme decided upon at the beginning of the year was not now necessary, and consequently the compulsory universal training plan for first line units would be abandoned. In addition, the personnel required to serve in basic establishments won d be reduced in the '2f> areas by varying percentages, averaging approximately 61 per cent. One Parade a Month

These front line units, which would amount to between 12.000 and 13,000, would be required to attend one parade a month in respect only of the work of their own particular unit. The remainder of the personnel would be transferred to reserve. Districts were being asked to secure the required numbers from those willing to serve, but the principle of compulsory service had not been abandoned.

The Minister said the following centres were regarded as vulnerable areas: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch. Dutiedin. Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier. Hastings, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Paimerston North, Master ton, Lower Hutt, I'etone, Blenheim, Nelson. Westport, Greymouth, Lyttelton, Timaru, Oamaru. Invercargill, Bluff. The Government would pay subsidies in future only to those activities directly associated with war emergency, and prior approval of all new expenditure would have to be obtained. Mr. Wilson .said material reductions would also be made in the fire services, and these would be announced shortly.

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS TRAVEL CONCESSION PRIVILEGE FOR WIVES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sunday Discharged servicemen returning from overseas have been supplied hitherto with free railway tickets over the railways and Lake Wakatipu steamers tor a period of 28 days at any time within 12 months of the date of discharge. The Prime Minister, the lit. Hon P. Fraser, announced to-night that the Government had now decided to extend this privilege to wives accompanying their husbands. LOCAL AND GENERAL Auckland Gas Supply A better position prevailed with regard to Auckland's gas supply during the week-end. said the manager of the Auckland Gas Company. Mr. 11. Worley, last night. The only interruption in the supply took place on Saturday between 0.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Inferior coal was still being used, said Mr. Worley, and until better coal arrived the prospects were not bright. Early Lambs at Onewhero Early lambs have made their appearance in the Onewhero district, and there are over 20 on one farm at present. They are in good condition, but according to one settler, sheep breeders would be happier if there was more feed available. The dry summer and autumn resulted in a shortage in most districts. The first of the lambs at Onewhero are stated to be a fortnight later than last year. Deaths on Same Day

The coincidence of a man and liis wife dying on the same day occurred at the Auckland Hospital on Saturday. Mr. John James Roil, aged 53. of Ponsonbv, had been in hospital since last Tuesday and was dying when his wife was called to his bedside early in the morning. Mrs. I!off. who was 19 years of age, had been in poor health for some time, and the shock caused her collapse. Mr. Huff's death occurred at 1.45 a.m. and his wife died at 10.30 a.m. Cambridge Milk Zoning

A scheme for the zoning of milk delivery at Cambridge is to come into effect to-day. The area covered bv the scheme includes the Borough of Cambridge and the Leamington town district. The scheme is to be administered by a committee consisting of two members appointed by the Cambridge Borough Council, one by the parties to the scheme, and the zoning officer for the North Island. The whole area has been divided into three zones, and a milk vendor allotted to each.

Runaway Car Rolling a short distance down the hill from where it was parked in High Street at about .11 o'clock on Saturday morning, a small car turned the corner into Vulcan Lane, mounted the pavement and came to rest in the doorway of a frock shop' in Gifford's Building. The glass door and a large plate-glass panel of the shop display vrindow were smashed and slight damage was caused to the rear of the car. The manner in which the vehicle turned sharply from its cour.se surprised bystanders, who thought at first that the driver was at the controls. Catholic Services Club

The first anniversary ot the opening of the Catholic Services Club was celebrated yesterday by a birthday tea. Speakers at the function were 'the Mayor, -Air. J. A. C. Alluni, Bishop l,iston and Mr. G. .1. Browne, chairman of the Catholic Services Club committee. The club, <vhieh is the largest of its type in the Dominion, is situated at the corner of Pitt and Wellington Streets, and was formerly used as the Marist Brothers' school. It was completely modernised last; year and. besides providing the usual club facilities, possesses a large dormitory and chapel. Unexploded Bombs A warniug that the discovery ol any object that could be a bomb should be immediately leported to Army area headquarters was issued by an Army officer at New Plymouth after the discovery on a beach of a smoke bomb which had obviously been tampered with. Smoke bombs of the type found are used by the Air Force at sea tor navigational purposes, the ollicer explained nusually they sink. but when tney lloat they are likel> to come ashore Although they are not paitieularly dangerous, they are equipped with detonators, which could cause considerable damage if tlicy were set off.