No. 415, STRAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23940, 16 October 1939, Page 8

No. 415, STRAND

READY TO EVACUATE NEW ZEALAND HOUSE (Thom Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, Sept. 8. During the process of preparing for evacuation, if this is considered necessary, New Zealand House has undergone an external “ black out.” Its lower windows, which have usually been dressed with successive attractive displays calling the attention of admiring passers by to the scenic, productive, and tourist activities of the country, now are gloomy black patches, for they have been boarded up as a protective measure from damage that might be sustained in air raids. The paint used is black, and the building has a most sombre outward appearance In addition, sandbagging is in operation at the moment. A great deal of preparatory evacuation work has been going on in the building for some weeks past, as well as at the other buildings of dominions’ London offices. On completion of the emergency packing up, Mr Jordan made a complete tour of his departments. and thanked each person for the efficient way in which everything has been organised and carried through. All the High Commissioners and their staffs will be with the British Government wherever its headquarters may be situated. Mrs Jordan intends to remain at her home in Wimbledon, which abuts on to the golf course. A number of the residents locally have provided themselves with a communal trench which should afford adequate shelter from air attacks and shrapnel. Publicity Sections The Publicity Officers of the four Overseas Dominions’ Offices are being linked up with the Ministry of Information, and they will also constitute an informal liaison committee of their own. They will come under the authority of Mr N. Bell, formerly of the Dominions Office. Lord Macmillan, the e-.anent advocate, is Minister of Information. It has been decided, in the present crisis, to close the office of the recently established New Zealand Public Relations Council. Mr G. McAllister, the officer, however, has an agreement until next February, and he will be retained under the High Commissioner ... vvor k that mav be necessary.