TE AWAMUTU E.P.S.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4535, 11 February 1942, Page 5

TE AWAMUTU E.P.S.

THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE ORGANISING MATTERS At a meeting of the Central Committee of the Te Awamutu Emergency Precautions Service Organisation on Monday evening the Chief Warden, Mr L- G. Armstrong, presided, and there was a representative attendance. THE PLUNKET SOCIETY In a report the Health Controller (Mr W. A. Jamieson) advised that the Plunket Society was enrolling in the E.P.S. through the W.W.S.A. The enrolment had, however, been delayed in consequence of lack of necessary official forms. Tentative steps were being taken to assure status for these voluntary workers and to secure for them the protection of insurance in the event of injury or damage. QUESTION OF SUPPLIES The chairman reported the appointment of Mr A. E. Patterson as Controller of Supply, and that this section of organisation activity was proceeding. A report was tabled showing the impracticability of clothinw distributors carrying reserve stocks in anticipation of any large-scale evacuation. It was urged that the Government be asked to set aside reserve stocks to be held in bond in readiness for such an emergency. It was decided to refer the report and recommendation to the Auckland Provincial Controller of Supply. The Auckland Evacuation Controller advised the steps taken to assure a reserve of flour supplies in the South Auckland district. BLACKOUT TRIAL The Reduced Lighting Committee asked for a stricter enforcement of the blackout stipulations. It was felt that the time had arrived for more definite action, and it was suggested that a blackout trial be ordered. In reply to an inquiry, it was explained that country homes were required to comply with the reduced lighting requirements. The effect was that all places had to be so arranged that no outside lighting was visible at night, and that windows and other openings were obscured. After some discussion it was decided to order a blackout trial for Sunday, 22nd February. SPIRITUAL SECTION It was advised that the clergy of all denominations had combined in the formation of a spiritual section of E.P.S. Rev. Father Colgan was nominated and was duly appointed representative on the Central Committee. A DONATION The Hon. J. E. Duncan, M.L.C., forwarded a donation of £2 2s to the E.P.S. funds. THE MEDICAL SECTION The Controller of the Medical Section advised having had notice that the Health Department was being constituted a Public Health Emergency Precautions Service, and he was required to register under that scheme. In the event of his being called away from the local E.P.S., Mr I. Deed, Superintendent of the St. John Ambulance, would continue the organisation of the local E.P.S. Health Section. The chairman remarked that this was apparently another example of Government departments arranging sections which, in effect, duplicated already existing and organised services. CHANGE OF ADDRESS It was pointed out that under the conditions of universal enrolment it became necessary for all registered E.P.S. workers to notify the Chief Warden of change of address and telephone number. In the event of any change of residence registered people must notify the E.P.S. headquarters so that necessary transfers of enrolment cards, etc., could be made.