CIVILIAN ARMY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 293, 12 December 1941, Page 4

CIVILIAN ARMY

THOSE NOT ALREADY ON SERVICE CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON Attended by representatives of E.P.S. Organisations from ail park of New Zealand, a conference or Mayors, as chairmen of the E.P.S. Organisations, was held m Welling ton yesterday, when metiers per.a.ning to the organisation were discussed. Tiie gathering was piesided over by the Minister of National Service, Hon. 11. Semple, for a portion of the time, and when he was engaged at the opening of Parliament it was presided over by Mr. J. S. Hunter, Director of National Service. Mr. Semple returned to the conference befoie ns close. Wanganui was represented at the conference by the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C.; Mr. L. F. Row. city engineer, and contromr of works and services; Mr. H. Weob, lighting controller, Wanganui: ami Mr. C R White, in his capacity as honorary secretary of the Wanganui E.P.S. Executive. Making a statement last n.ght, the Mayor said Mr. Semple, in his opening remarks, referred to the gravity of the situation, and as matters stooq every man and woman not called foi service with the fighting forces could regard themselves as members of the civilian army Mr. Semple said he had called the conference for the purpose of ascertaining the position in regard to the various sections of the E.P.S. Organisations. It was desirable to know the strength, so that where they were defective, any deficiency in personnel will be made good. He was sure the people of the Dominion would give their services gladly in such a time as the present crisis and would respond to any sacrifices asked of them. The Minister said from the reports which would be placed on the conference table he would be able to formulate plans for the mote efficient working of all sections of the E.P.S. throughout the Dominion.