E.P.S. CHANGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24636, 15 July 1943, Page 4

E.P.S. CHANGES

QUESTION OF EXPENSE FURTHER DETAILS WANTED Further information about tlie proposed reduction in service for Emergency Precaution Scheme and Emergency Fire Scheme personnel is to ho sought from the Minister of Civil Defence, the Hon. I). Wilson, by the central executive of the Auckland Metropolitan Emergency Precautions Service, according to a decision reached at a special meeting yesterday. Following the meeting, the Mayor and chief warden, Mr. «J. A. C. Alltun. said the consensus of opinion was that, in view of statements received, there was no longer a need for the continuance of the Emergency Precaution Scheme on an active war basis, witli its heavy attendant expenditure. Ihe .local bodies in the Auckland Metropolitan area realised their responsibilities to the public and necessary expenditure for maintaining the protection of citizens and property would be continued. It was l'elt, however, that much expenditure could now bo reduced but before taking action it was proposed to obtain further information from the Minister. When a reply ,was received Mr. A Hum said he proposed to call a conference of local bodies in the metropolitan area to discuss the position from their point of view. Discussing the effect of the proposed reductions, the chief executive officer, Mr. A. C. Hip well, in a report, said that the nominal strength of the Auckland Emergency Precautions Service was 39,979. Last. March the active strength was reduced to 8500, the balance being placed in a reinforcement reserve. The further reduction now required would leave an active strength of 3597 with the remainder in reserve. A considerable amount of voluntary service would still be required from officers and other personnel, Mr. Hipwell stated. It appeared necessary to maintain the control centre and have sufficient trained personnel available to ensure its readiness for instant action.