GAS MASKS FOR COWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21090, 16 July 1938, Page 15

GAS MASKS FOR COWS

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN IN BRITAIN MEASURES AGAINST ATTACK AIR Even gas masks for cows are being provided for in the comprehensive air raid precautions schemes in Great Britain. The natipnal milk supply is of such major importance, particularly in times of emergency, that it is necessary to supply protection for cows in areas which may be subjected to gas attack from the air. Virtually every town in England has its air raid precautions committee, and most of them are advertising for fulltime air raid precautions officers, at salaries varying between £3OO and £5OO a year, to take charge of these precautionary measures. Many towns are organising periodical “black-outs” on certain nights, when every light m the town, including motor-car headlights, are put out for periods varying from half and hour upward.

The organisations in each town are also appointing a series of voluntary workers, who will act in the event of an air raid. There are air raid wardens who will issue gas masks to the civilian population. They will also organise gas proofing of houses in their vicinity, and direct rescue and other operations there in the event of a raid. Voluntary Squads The fire brigades in the towns will be augmented by special voluntary squads to deal with conflagrations caused by incendiary bombs. Decontamination squads will also be appointed. Their function will be to take chemical means of ridding a street of gas after an attack. There must also be rescue squads, first-aid posts, and dispatch riders able to use bicycles, motor-bicycles, or motor-cars, or even to run on foot in the event of telephone or telegraph communication being broken during an attack. Everywhere throughout England there is an attitude of preparedness.