WANGANUI CITY WELL ORGANISED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 43, 20 February 1941, Page 4

WANGANUI CITY WELL ORGANISED

ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR ANY EMERGENCY

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW BY THE MAYOR "Local effort on the part of the various controllers, who. silting as a body, comprise the executive, is proceeding with vigour and thoroughness" stated a report presented by the Mayor of Wanganui, Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., at a meeting of the City Emergency Precautions Scheme, held last night in the City Council Chambers.

"Each has a personnel working under bis control and the duties ot such effectives are of a specialised character according to requirements and the ability of those selected to give maximum service,” said His Worship. "In the works section, for instance, parades are held regularly and the men trained in the several phases of activity which, in the event of emergency, it would be their task to perform. Lectures by experts in this section have also been given from time to time and much valuable information gleaned in relation to this aspect of the scheme. “The other controllers have been equally busy and engaged upon perfecting plans, making arrangements for staffing, and in attending to a host of detailed matters calling for much time and labour. I take this opportunity of thanking the splendid body of volunteers who have, for a lengthy period, worked for this organisation with but the single objective of providing for their fellow citizens the means whereby, in an emergency, the best possible service could be instituted and maintained. Render Good Service. "It is obvious that all the citizens could not play a part as active members of the organisation should, unhappily, a state of emergency occur in the City. They could, however, by standing together as a community, render the highest possible service. Enough is known from reports emanating from sources overseas to indicate that with the civilian populace calm and awaiting instructions from those charged with the responsibility for their welfare, civilian mor'e is preserved and the essential services can function successfully. At the present time of war with an ever-chang-ing international situation, there is bound to be felt a degree of anxiety even in this remote corner of the Empire. But there is no need for apprehension. The utmost that could be done for the community would be put in hand without delay and those responsible could be depended upon to discharge their self-imposed tasks with the fullest consideration for public interest. Wellington Conference. “Such a large scale organisation as the Emergency Precautions Scheme cannot be pieced together overnight. Bsides the arrangement in detail ot the sectional portions of the scheme, there is also tne highly important aspect of co-ordination, which is essential for smooth and efficient working of the whole of the emergency services. Held in Wellington on January 16 last was a conference of delegates appointed by local bodies from all parts of the Dominion. The conference was convened by the Minister of National Service and this city and organisation was represented by the assistant city engineer, the town clerk and myself. The proceedings were conducted in camera and the following matters were discussed in the order of reference, concerning which an appendix on each question was placed before delegates as a basis for deliberation and decision: — Question of selecting a day (preferably a Saturday) in the near future, when emergency organisations would hold a "try out.” Parades of Home Guards, National Reserve and Territorials and Women's War Service Auxiliary to be held same day. Various Groups. "Emergency warning systems, airraid shelters, anti-gas and decontamination training, hospitals, protection of, school chilaren, protection of, reduction and control of lighting and illumination, communications, unexploded bomb demolition, evacuation, auxiliary lire brigades, waterfront organisation, vital points, co-ordination with Home Guaru. "The reports of delegates upon the progress of their respective organisations, statements by Government officials who were in attendance in an advisory capacity to the conference, and decisions arrived at were minuted and will be forwarded to the authorities concerned at an early date. Controller of Lighting. "Approximately 110 distinguishing arm bands (E.P.S.) have been issued by the National Service Department. These have been completed by the Sister Services, the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, which co-opted the services of various organisations. Thanks and appreciation are due to those who have undertaken at short notice tins splendid work. Already over 200 arm bands have been issued to the Fire Controller, while 124 members of the Works Section are similarly equipped. "One of the pressing matters for attention at the moment is that of reduced lighting. A Dominion Controller, Mr. Kissell, has been appointed and Mr. H. Webb, the engineer to the Power Board, has assumed the office of Wanganui district controller. "In the foregoing survey of operations connected with the Wanganui City Emergency Precautions Scheme, it will be realised that preparations on a large scale have been proceeding without intermission over a period of several months past. Not until arrangements are complete in every detail, however, and rapid progress is being made to that end, will it be possible to publish the scheme.

"I wish, in conclusion, to state that the organisation has progressed far, the effectives are being steadily enrolled, and were a state of emergency to occur there would be no serious hitch, at this juncture, to militate against a situation by which the citizens and their property would be afforded the utmost success and protection.”