OUT-OF-DATE SIGNS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26777, 21 May 1948, Page 4

OUT-OF-DATE SIGNS

E.P.S. WARNINGS STILL ON VIEW

The rash of E.P.S. signs which broke out on gates, doorways and the sides of public buildings during the war years has not yet been completely eliminated in the time which has passed since the cessation of hostilities Dozens of private houses throughout the city still flaunt the sign “ Street Warden ” and, even in the business area, a few indications of the precautions taken during the anxious war years remain. One of the most common relics of activities on the home front appears in many shops, offices and factories It is a pamphlet published by the authorities giving full directions as to what action to take in the event of certain disastrous happenings. The prescribed manner of dealing with incendiary bombs, the importance of keeping the mouth opep when lying in the gutter waiting for a bomb to burst, the care of respirators (never issued to the civilian population of

the Dominion) and sundry other matters of importance are covered in this publication, which still adheres more or less precariously to many walls in the city. The reason for the continued existence of so many of these signs and tokens of an alert E.P.S system is, no doubt, merely a matter of forgetfulness on the part of the people concerned. A justifiable pride in having been entrusted with what might have been a dangerous and highly important task is hardly likely to. have influenced wardens to keep their plates up, and it is certainly an oversight which causes signs still to point to non-exist-ent shelters in Dunedin streets. The possibility that there may be, at some time in the future, any need for these souvenirs is one which is unwelcome to every citizen.