PEACETIME STATUS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 99, 17 August 1943, Page 5

PEACETIME STATUS

THE LOCAL E.P.S. THREAT OF INVASION REMOVED That the local Emergency Precautions Scheme be placed hereafter on a peace time footing, that the E.P.S. insignia be removed from cars and public places and that the personnel be merely required to meet at halfyearly intervals, in order to maintain a fabric of the service in the event of emergency—such were the decisions at a general meeting of the Whakatane E.P.S. organisation held in the Borough Council Chambers last Friday evening. Letters from the Dominion Controller were read by the secretary, Mr D. V. Saunders, pointing out that Whakatane was not included in what was termed the "vulnerable areas" and therefore the movement could be placed on a peace-time basis owing to the improvement of the Pacific war situation. The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, who presided said that thought the organisation could safely follow out the suggestion and assume a normal basis. It would not be wise to dissolve altogether but active training could now cease. He suggested that the hydrants and budket pumps should be left in the hands of the Fire Brigade, where they would be looked after and the ateirm sirens left on the cars used for that purpose. All stickers and signs would be removed, it was either that or keep training, full dress. Mr Ileevc. Canning asked if it were a fact that the E.P.S. was formed, not merely to meet possible invasion, but to operate in the event of any national disaster. The chairman agreed that it was. Mr Canning then claimed that to allow the organisation to lapse, was to be totally unprepared for such eventualities as earthquakes,, Hoods, fires or tidal waves. He urged that the personnel should meet at least at half-yearly intervals and that a certain amount of practice and technical training be indulged, in. The Mayor agreed and it was decided to keep the organisation in being but to cease all training apart from periodic meetings to be convened by the controllers. Before the meeting closed, Mr Barry expressed' his thanks to all members for their co-opera-tion and enthusiasm- The organisation in : Whakatane had been a gpod one and would', he was .certain', have given very useful service in the event of an emergency arising. He was glad to see the town back to a peacetime footing, but felt that the local E.P.S. organisation had been a movement well worth while and' one that had reflected the greatest credit upon its members.