GERALDINE E.P.S. WORKERS SHOULD TRAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21992, 18 June 1941, Page 3

GERALDINE E.P.S. WORKERS SHOULD TRAIN

Eight Hours A Month Suggested Little Preparation By Some Units A suggestion that all able-bodied members of the Emergency Precautions Organisations should do a minimum of eight hours training a month was made at a meeting of the Geraldine and Temuka Home Guard Locality Committee. It was agreed that it should be a recommendation to the Geraldine and Temuka Emergency Precautions Committee that, in order to create a spirit of equality and sacrifice, ablebodied members of the E.P.S. should do a minimum of eight hours training a month, as does the Home Guard. It was not surprising that some Home Guardsmen asked why it was that they should be called on to give up spare time for training, while neighbours were not called on to do the same, said the Group Commander (Mr R. G. Charters). Only a limited number of E.P.S. members did regular training. The rest had their organisation, but did nothing outside their working hours. “I have always advocated regular parades and training classes for the Emergency Precaution workers," said the chairman (Mr D. C. McKechnie). It would not only create a spirit of equal sacrifice, but would enable the workers in the various groups to get to know one another better. Men in the medical, fire, accommodation and executive units all had a good deal of work to do, but some units did not meet at all.

AMBULANCE BUSY OVER 600 MILES TRAVELLED The ambulance purchased by the Geraldine Division of the St. John Ambulance has now transported 17 patients, and in its work covered 684 miles. Not included in this total is a return trip by car to Dunedin, when a patient was transported by an officer of the brigade.

A good response has been met with the appeal for the new ambulance fund and residents have every reason to be satisfied with the splendid work already done by members of the Division. Amounts received towards the fund are as follows: Pleasant Valley residents (dance), £l5/5/6; Orari Bridge Red Cross dance), £6/6/-; cake given by Mrs H. V. Firman, £3/0/6; Orari Red Cross (dance), £5; Woodbury and Tripp Country Fair Committee. £2/12/8; Geraldine Racing Club, £3/3/-. Last week talks were given by Superintendent C. C. Knight to members of the Salvation Army Home League and the Geraldine Young Farmers' Club. He spoke on first aid and ambulance work and the danger in handling electrical appliances. LEAD HELD IN NATIONAL SAVINGS Thirty-two new National Savings accounts have been opened at Geraldine during the last few days and the number of accounts now in operation, 1040, represents 39 per cent of the population. The amount invested in the accounts to date at Geraldine is £3230. There are now 38 groups in operation. FOOTBALL CLUB HELPS PATRIOTIC FUND As the result of last Saturday’s Rugby match approximately £2l was raised for the Geraldine zone’s quota for the Million Pound Appeal. The money was raised by admission to the ground, including players, and by competitions. “Procter’s,” the Premier Opticians Christchurch, will be making a professional visit to Geraldine, on Wednesday, July 9, when their London trained staff may be consulted on all defects of eyesight and the restoration of visual efficiency at the Crown Hotel, from 9 aan. to 4 p.m. Appointments can now be made by ringing Mr Morris Williams chemist, ’phone 61