The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1939. EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14240, 19 September 1939, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1939. EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS.

As was pointed out by the “Herald 7 ’ in this column a few days before the outbreak of war, t behoved those in authority in Pahiatua to pay some attention to the matter of an emergency scheme for this district, so that any disaster, whether manmade ct natural, would not fall out of a clear sky. As was .stated at the time one authority—the County Council—had received a scheme for this purpose. Now, by a report which appears in the “Herald 77 today, it is pleasing to see that apparently a keen and proper interest is being taken In Pahiatua's position. The other day the Power Board saw fit to discuss emergency precautions at its meeting; just before that, reference was made to the subject at a meeting of the County Council; and the Borough Council has also taken action to safeguard certain vital points relating to public utilities, according to a statement by the Mayor at the last meeting. Now it appears, from the report already alluded to. that the Government is not forgetful of New Zealand’s smaller districts in this time of stress, as a special Emergency Precautions Scheme is shortly to be circulated among all local bodies to serve them as a guide for action. As soon as this scheme i*s received it. is proposed to hold a public meeting in PahiaCiia so that ffie matter of precautions can be discussed, and various committees set up. This is excellent. Booked at in some lights, of course, the war seems so far away that the mea of Pahiatua, or The Dominion, for that matter, being involved in it, is almost inconceivable; it is so hard to realise that New Zealand is at war. But events over the past few days have shown that the international situation is becoming chronically involved. Who can tell how the war will be faring twelve months from today? It may have ended, it may not. Contemplation of this war’s taking an immediate effect in the Dominion is far. from pleasant, but that contemplation must be made. It i s a public duty, and Pahiatua has not been lacking in the proper interest It has taker, to safe* guard itself, and so assist in the creation of a solid national front.