EXIT THE E.P.S.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 99, 17 August 1943, Page 4

EXIT THE E.P.S.

THE decision to place the E.P.S. organisation of this town, upon a purely peace-time basis means the virtual disbanding of the small army of wardens, inspectors, cyclists and other members as far as active training is concerned. Like His Worship we welcome the return of safer days in the Pacific, but we also have a twinge of regret at the dissolving of an organisation which leaves vivid memories of its practice tests, air raid alarms and realistic rescue displays. The work of training and organising so many of the town's citizens into useful members of an emergency service was no light undertaking and the uniformly high praise which was always forthcoming, following the surprise tests was a direct tribute to those who had undertaken that responsibility. Thus we take a somewhat grudging farewell of the organisation which was prepared for, but was never called upon to act in a state of emergency. Memories of 'blackouts,' light wardens and traffic inspectors will however remain with us for many a day.