SEARCH AND RESCUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27514, 7 October 1950, Page 6

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Work Of Organisation

Special Correspondent WELLINGTON, Oct. 6. A Dominion-wide search and rescue organisation has been established to seek aircraft and small vessels which are wrecked or go missing and to look for people who are lost in bush and hill country. A highly-efficient machine, it will be able to go into action within minutes almost of the need arising. Its services may be extended in case of any national emergency which may arise, such as forest fires or widespread floods. The organisation can work so quickly that it will be able to establish contact with virtually any prospective helper in the country within three minutes. The civil aviation branch of the Air Department is responsible for the organisation of the central committee of the search and rescue organisation and for its overall direction, but not for its policy. Members of the committee are provided by the RNZAF, the navy, the Marine Department, the army, the police and the Federation Mountain Clubs. The New Zealand Association of Amateur Radio Transmitters and other bodies are co-opted when required. Each body has its own specialised job. . From the control room, the civil aviation branch directs and coordinates the search. Each organisation has a representative present to give expert advice in his particular field. From the control room, aircraft may be directed and in it the maps of the area are laid out so that progress is known. . A search and rescue manual is being prepared for bodies likely to be mvolved in future searches. It will give an overall picture of the whole organisation. It is understood that the method of financing the organisation is being discussed with the Treasury. In Canada, an annual appropriation is made for search operations and it has been suggested that similar action be taken in New Zealand.