PRECAUTIONS SCHEME

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 9

PRECAUTIONS SCHEME

HELP OF LOCAL BODIES (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday “This is not a scheme brought about lately through war conditions, but a long-range plan put into working operation some time ago,’ said the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, referring to the emergency precautions scheme in a statement tonight. Mr Parry took personal leave of Ministerial control of the scheme, which will now be administered by the Minister and as-sociate-Minister of National security, the Hon. R. Semple and the Hon. D. Wilson. The Government realised early the need for a Dominion-wide organisation to deal with emergency conditions arising out of any major disaster,” Mr Parry said. “Steps were taken to prepare a detailed scheme to serve as a model for local bodies to frame local plans. This was embodied in a booklet which was sent to all local authorities. The principal was a sound one that, in each particular locality the local body exercising primary jurisdiction was responsible for setting up an emergency organisation, and was adopted with genuine New Zealand enthusiasm and commonsense. “The scheme as outlined was sent to 309 local authorities. More than 120 of these have prepared and completed schemes. Others are either deciding details or have preparations well in hand. In a few weeks, I shall be in the position to give an outline of improvements and extensions now being made to the scheme promoted to help the people attain and maintain physical fitness.”