EFFICIENCY OF E.P.S.

Southland Times, Issue 24756, 29 May 1942, Page 4

EFFICIENCY OF E.P.S.

VISIT OF REGIONAL COMMISSIONER

Complete satisfaction with the manner in which the citizens of all parts of the South Island had taken up the E.P.S. work was expressed by Colonel W. T. Churchward, regional commissioner for the South Island, in an interview last night. He commended the enthusiasm of the controllers and the members, and said that in a short time New Zealand would have an organization as good as, if not better than, any in the British Empire. Colonel Churchward is at present on a tour visiting the six district controllers in the South Island to obtain information about the various E.P.S. organizations which come under their control and to study the tactical conditions as they affect the E.P.S. Asked what he thought of the development of the Invercargill organization, Colonel Churchward said he had obtained a general outline of the local scheme, and il appeared to be comprehensive and efficient. Those leaders he had met fully understood the importance of their work and were carrying it out thoroughly and well. They welcomed the co-operation of the Army and realized that complete* co-ordination was now possible. The Army, too, appreciated what the civic authorities had done. The Army must have an efficient E.P.S. and, he was pleased to say, the relations between the two were very good. CO-ORDINATION IMPERATIVE

“Co-ordination between the two bodies is absolutely imperative,” he declared. “There must be no overlapping; there are a few gaps to be filled, but economy of man-power and woman-power must be practised. If the worst comes, we must all be in In some districts there had been a slight misunderstanding of the position of responsibility in the control and administration of the scheme, added Colonel Churchward. The position was now quite clear. The central committee appointed by the local authority was charged with the general administration. The central committee could appoint an executive committee. That committee had the power and functions of the central committee subject to any reservations made by the latter. No one could be appointed to the executive unless appointed by the central committee. Another point, covered by the regulations was that no member of the organization could be removed from office or resign except by the sanction of the Minister. Colonel Churchward and his associate, Captain H. Kitson, had a conference with the leaders of the Invercargill organization last night. They will leave for Christchurch this morning. ________