AIR-RAID ALARM

Waikato Independent, Volume XLII, Issue 4001, 13 May 1942, Page 1

AIR-RAID ALARM

BUSY SHOPPING DAY REACTION OF THE PUBLIC For the first time since air raid precautions were organised in Cambridge a surprise alarm ''/as sprung on the town on Monday afternoon, fee actual time, 3.55 p.m.. was unknown to everyone, indud'ng E.P.S. personnel, but well within 10 minutes nearly 150 of the latter were at their posts, the streets cleared of the public; and everything well in hand to deal with the situation.

Members of the various sections of the E.P.S. went straight from their work to their posts. The fact that 23 members of the medical section. 31 supply, 20 law and order, 22 transport,' 17 fire, four lighting, and 20 works personnel reported for duty reflects very favourably on their keenness and efficiency. Organisation Commended The alarm lasted until 4.15, and during the intervening 20 minutes the E.P-S. organisation functioned smoothly, and brought commendation from both the Mayor (Mr Fdear .tomes) and the chief warden (Mr J. H. Brock). Mr Brock nointed out, however, that there still seems to be a lack of anpreciation by a number of people of the necessity of carrying out the regulations to the letter. The trial was arranged on a busy shopping day, in order to test the abilitv of the trenches provided to shelter both townspeople and those from the country who were in town shopping.

An inspeetion'of the various trenob svstems showed there was amnio room for those who souaht shelter, but ; n some eases shop proprietor*simplv closed their doors, ahd both staff and customers remained inside

Mr Brock added that this was not only contrary to E.P.S. regulations, but in the case of an actual air raid it would definitely endanger the lives of those concerned, and at the same time hamper the work of. such sections of the E.P.S. as works and fire-fighting. He pointed out that, under some circumstances in an actual raid it might be' necessary to blow up a building in order to prevent a sprehd of fire. If people were sheltering inside they would either lose their lives or prevent this being done. Reason for Reluctance

One factor which may have deterred members of the public, particularly women, from going to the trenches was their reluctance to risk spoiling shoes and clothes in a clayey trench on a wet dav. A ruling by the E.P.S. Committee as to whether it is necessary actually to enter the trenches or simply to proceed to the vicinity and to remain there until the “all clear” might ensure greater co-operation on the part of the public on the occasion of the next E.P.S. trial. Several Cambridge visitors to Hamilton had the experience of having to snend nf ar> hon" ters there earlier in the afternoon, and arriving back in Cambridge just in time to participate in their own trial.