E.P.S. TRIAL AT OHAKUNE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 40, 18 February 1943, Page 3

E.P.S. TRIAL AT OHAKUNE

SATISFACTORY TURN-OUT. (0.C.) Ohakune, Feb. 17. A successful trial was held in Ohqkune on Sunday by the co-ordinated units of the E.P.S., W.W.S.A. and Home Guard. The alarm sounded at 1.31 p.m. and the personnel of the various units were quickly on duty. Bomb destruction, fires, casualties, etc. were efficiently dealt with. One • casualty,” a youth, evdently intending to lend a touch of realism to the proceedings, elected to go berserk, and although his capture extended a fair number of Home Guardsmen, yet his self-imposed role provided a possibility which had been overlooked. The capture of two saboteurs further heightened the realism of the atmosphere. The emergency hospital at the school under the care of Dr. Jordan, ran with smooth efficiency and all “cases” admitted had their various types of injuries treated skilfully and expeditiously. The control at headquarters worked smoothly and from here all directions radiated by ’phone. Morse and messenger.

The “All Clear” sounded at 3.45 p.m. At the conclusion of the “trial” all units assembled in front of the Municipal Chambers and, led by the Ohakune Silver Band, marched to the band rotunda in Clyde Street, where they were addressed and thanked by the Mayor, Mr. H. Delamar, before being dismissed. Mr. Delamar expresed his satisfaction with the way in which the trial had been conducted by all units participating. This was Ohakune's first E.P.S. trial an it is generally agreed that the experience and information gained will be most valuable.