The Dominion TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1942. AN ORDEAL REPEATED

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 262, 4 August 1942, Page 4

The Dominion TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1942. AN ORDEAL REPEATED

Twice in the course of a few weeks the city, and a large section of the province, have been subjected to ordeal by earthquake. _ It is unfortunate in that heavy losses have been added to those previously experienced, but again there is cause for thankfulness that theie have been no fatalities reported, or even serious injury. That is a truly remarkable record to have in two such heavy earth-movements, affecting thickly-populated centres and districts. There will be lessons which local bodies and individual citizens must take to heart if only in order to minimize the possibility of loss of life and property in the future. The tributes which both the Prime Minister and the Mayor have paid to the E.P.S. organization were fully deserved, and will be readily endorsed by citizens. The value of the training the members of this civilian force have undergone was clearly demonstrated, and the fact that, almost automatically, they at once hastened, to thenposts for duty was a praiseworthy feature of the manner in which they faced up to the emergency. The. same thing would happen in the event of enemy action, for it is evident the E.P.S. is steadily becoming a more efficient and disciplined unit. The various sections, having been allotted definite tasks, are able to act without any loss of time, and the very fait that they are there is a helpful factor m periods of stress. What has been experienced in the past few weeks illustrates the value of the E.P.S. as a civic service. While the first task now to be faced may be to effect such repair's that the domestic and business life of the community can continue with as little interruption as possible there seems to be need for a long view. If what has to be done, by way of construction and reconstruction now, is so ordered that the maximum of strength and safety will be ensured, and similar conditions govern futuie work, then progress will have .been made in the lengthy process of providing whatever measure of security is possible. A much larger number of houses and business premises will have been made reasonably secure against this form of damage than would ordinarily be dealt with over a long period of normal construction. Apart from the serious losses which have been incuned over a wide area, there will be a further strain on. available manpower. and certain supplies at a time when both are in short supply. With the co-operatioii of Government, local body authorities and citizens, however, much can be done.