EVACUATION QUESTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 55, 6 March 1942, Page 4

EVACUATION QUESTION

EXHAUSTIVE EXAMINATION MADE COMMENT IN AUCKLAND (Press Assn.) Auckland. March 4. •'I have read with interest the statement of the Primo Minister (Hon. P. Fraser) relative to evacuation. and am pleased to hear that this important question has been the subioel of an exhaustive examination by the rcsponsibile authorities,” said Mr. C. J. Lovegrovc. Controller of Evacuation for the Auckland E.P.S. "I never doubted for a moment that such was Ihe case. My advocacy and respresentations to dale have boon directed to the issue of comprehensive regulations to control- any evacuation that may. at any time, be ordered. Lack of such regulations would result, in general disorder, and make it most, difficult lo implement fullv any evacuation order, and might even create panic. “I know from an interview with the Director of National Service that certain regulations arc being drafted to deal with this subject and my report to the Chief Warden, Mr. Allum, made that, clear. However, I felt that the Government, should make a public statement nn the generaj policy of evacuation, so that E.P.S. organisations in the areas affected should formulate plans accordingly. Singapore had an evacuation plan, nut it would appear lhat. there was no marked co-ordination between the military, and civic authorities, and we know the results of last-minute attempts to evacuate women and children from that city. “No responsible citizen would suggest lhat there should be general evacuation from potential danger zones at present, but someone in authoritv should indicate the circumstances. or the degree of emergency, under which an evacuation would be ordered, and also the class of citizens likely to be affected.” Mr. Lovegrovc added that many representations had heon made to him on the evacuation of school children, and all had been to the effect that evacuation should precede an emergency. The public was entitled to expect common sense planning by civic leaders, and also lo call someone to account tor any failure under this heading.