SLIT TRENCHES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 June 1942, Page 2

SLIT TRENCHES

PROVISION IN MASTERTON ADVISED OPINION OF RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY. INSPECTION OF TOWN SITES. Residents in and around Masterton are advised to dig slit trenches, according to a statement made by Mr T. Jordan, chairman of the Masterton and District E.P.S., last night. Since a letter had come to hand from the National Service Department, Mr Jordan said, he had had two talks with a responsible authority and the latter’s opinion differed from that of the Department. This authority considered that it would be a wise precaution if slit trenches were dug by private individuals in their back gardens in the Masterton area, in case of accident. Mr Norman Lee: “They would be very useful in the backyard if you are down in the main street.” “You don’t suggest having them dug in the main street?” asked Mr Jordan. Mr Lee: “On vacant sections.” “Have we got such a congestion in the streets that we want them off the main streets?” asked Mr Jordan. Mr G. T. O’Hara Smith: “If you ask people in the residential districts to dig slit trenches, don’t you think some provision should be made for slit trenches in the more congested areas?” Mr Jordan: “Personally I don’t think they are necessary. I may be wrong.” Mr Lee: “We hope you are right.” “It would be wise to have one or two,” observed Mr J. H. Cunningham, who moved that a small sub-committee should be set up to inspect suitable areas in the town and report to the next meeting. This was seconded by Mr Lee and carried.

Mr J. W. T. Jones raised the position of the schools, which were still unable to get a subsidy for digging trenches. It was decided to reopen the matter with the educational authorities.