FUTURE OF E.P.S.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25940, 5 September 1945, Page 4

FUTURE OF E.P.S.

WAR ACTIVITY ENDED REORGANISED FOR PEACE-TIME EMERGENCIES “The process of winding up the war-time activities of the Dunedin Metropolitan Emergency Precautions Service has been proceeding for some time, and is now largely completed, said the honorary secretary of the organisation (Mr R. A. Johnston) in an interview with a Daily Times reporter yesterday. The materials for the aid post anti other posts in the metropolitan area have been collected and returned to the basement of the Town Hail. Equipment required for the future peace-time activities of the organisation is being retained. The large amount of material which was lent by citizens has been returned to the owners, and other equipment, much of which belonged to the medical unit, has now largely been disposed of by sale. Mr Johnston explained that, as a certain quantity was purchased in the first place with the aid of a Government subsidy, a proportionate refund of the amount realised from sales would go to the Government. At the present time, the activities of the E.P.S. are largely concerned with the setting up of a number of mobile medical units. Full equipment for these units is set out in the Town Hall basement, and is available for immediate use should a call come to meet any emergency. The future of the E.P.S. as a peacetime organisation has been the subject of consideration, and steps have already been taken to reduce the organisation to a basis that would be sufficient to permit of adequate service being given in the event, for instance, of earthquake, flood, fire, or other disaster.