E.P.S. ACTIVITIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 285, 21 March 1941, Page 5

E.P.S. ACTIVITIES

PREPAREDNESS IN WHAKATANE WORK OF COMMITTEE, Although seeking no publicity :in the initial stages, an Emergency Precautions Cbminitteik has been engaged in very useful and vital work in Whakatane and now has completed a pro- : gramme whereby the town would be organised in the event of an emergency. The work is important at any time and particularly so during war. The introduction of Emergency Precautions was made a considerthe war and entails preparedttess for any eventuality such "as a major earthquake, fire, flood or other national menace. The frict that war was declared and many other matters have been urgent it waiTlfaot until recently that the true position of the part the E.P.S. is to play during the war w T as announced. Thus it has been 'impossible for the local committee to announce openly to the public the duties it wished some citizens to undertake. Similar organisation is being undertaken by the county council for the country areas. Duties Defined. However, this information has now been received and the duties defined, and the following list suitably modified to suit the size of the town and locality has been published :— (1) Control and distribution of food, clothing and other necessities : (2) Control and direction of all available means ol transport for the conveyance of casualties, essential supplies, &c. Control of traffic to and from the afflicted area: (3) Control of all medical arrangements, iivst aid, collection and evacuation of casualties, hospital treatment, public health and sanitation : (4) Maintenance of law and order by providing patrols, pickets, or guards, and assistance to police generally : (5) Restoration, control ancl provision of electric power, water, gas, drainage, &c. Control of rescue and street cleaning personnel and I>rovision of labour for other Committees requiring same : (6) Restoration, control and provision of communications, including telegraph, telephone,' wireless, radio, press, and all forms of messenger service : (7) Control of lire-lighting arrangements; provide fire patrols and demolition parties :

(8) Control ant! provision of temporary accommodation. Provision of temporary cooking arrangements. Evacuation of uninjured if deemed advisable : (9) Control of financial arrangements, statistics, general records, registration of population (if required), and for labour: (10) Preparation of information, direction of press activities, and provision of entertainment: (11) Control of harbour and wat•erfront facilities. Personnel of Committee. The committee, the personnel of v.hich is His Worship the Mayor, Mr S. S. Shaplcy (Borough Coun•cil), Dr. E. T. Dawson (Hospital :Superintendent), Mr L. G. Wood (Postmaster), F. W. (Borough electrical engineer),- W. S. Henderson (Borough foreman-engi-neer), Mr D. V. Saunders (Town Clerk), ,J. Dw: Dicker (Engineerjnanager Bfryr-of Plenty' Power .Board), has set up sub-committees to prepare programmes for the various duties considered necessary in this towi|| and these are well in Ihand. *- Dearth of Personnel. The main difficulty experienced locally is the dearth of personnel for the Emergency Precautions duties, and this is attributed to the fact that the Koine GuaVd being first to get into its stride, and offering in a way a more active 'duty, attracted practically all those men willing to serve their country in such way as they could. In Wlialtatane therefore there are many men at present members of "the Home Guard who by reason of their knowledge of important local affairs should be members of the E.P.S., where they could serve a imuch more useful purpose. The (Continued foot next column).

Guard would be called to action only in the event of an invasion, while the E.P.S. would have its duties to perform at all times and at present is particularly concerned with preparations for a possible "hit and run" raid. Government's Desire. The Government in issuing the pamphlet on the subject asks that such men link with the E.P.S. and that they be released from the Guard. It is unfortunate, however, that some such men have become officers and by leaving their platoons would lessen the efficiency of their unit. It is hoped to somehow overcome this. Branches of Duties. The Emergency Precautions Scheme requires the services of men for the following branches of the Organisation c Transport, Medical and Health, Law and Order, Works 1 , Supplies, Communications, Fire, Accommodation, Publicity, Police. There are opportunities for clerks, engineers, telegraphists, artisans, motor drivers, transport workers, labourers, technicians, &c„ Either Sex Eligible. The duties offer opening for both sexes and for all persons over the age of sixteen years. Useful service can be given and at the same time interesting and valuable instruction will be obtained. Those people wishing to join the Corps may obtain any information they require by applying to Mr D. V. Saunders (Town ! Clerk).