WAR PRECAUTIONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 284, 17 March 1941, Page 4

WAR PRECAUTIONS

ALTHOUGH it is improbable that a raider operating m the South Pacific would waste shells in bombing open towns, it is still true that open towns, which are not military objectives, have been bombed in the past, and it is safe., therefore, to work on the assumption that such towns will be bombed in the future. When a bombardment commences nothing - much can be dene but collect the casualties, and raiders, like other enemy agents, appreciate the fact that the element of surprise is their greatest assistant. It must follow then, that precautions against, not only probable changers, but also against unexpected events, must be taken before any eventuality arises. Immediately steps are taken, however, it becomes apparent that time is required to complete them and that planning is essential. It is not until the task is actually undertaken that the difficulties are noticed and again time is required to overcome them. The general principle of a defensive operation is to disperse those who are being attacked as much as possible, but where this is not possible it becomes necessary to provide other means of avoiding danger. It is of interest to learn that these precautionary measures are being launched in Whakatane in common with other coastal towns to protect school children while they are in the care of the educational authorities. This is a wise step and every help should be afforded those who have undertaken the task. It is one of the duties of the Emergency Precautions Scheme and, as has been pointed out by the Mayor recently, there is a dearth of personnel in this vital organisation locally through, no doubt, the fact ths£ the Home Guard v/as instituted in earnest first and that it appears to be of more interesting and active w r ork. The duties of the E.P.S. are extremely important and it is hoped that many will respond to the appeal for recruits made by the Mayor.