E.P.S. PERSONNEL

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 16, 14 October 1942, Page 6

E.P.S. PERSONNEL

Transfers To Home Guard

Though men are continually being drafted out for the purpose, transfers of E.P.S. personnel to the Home Guard iu tlie Wellington district, which extends as far as Upper Hutt and Paekakarikl, had reached a total of about 3500 by October 1. This is irrespective of men called up for service with the mobilized military forces.

There is a certain inflow to the E.l’.S. of youths, but they generally do not remain long before they are required for military service. Checking of tlie E.P.S. rolls is in progress, and cards are being sent out. Numerous small area trials have been and are being held, and by this means weaknesses in personnel have been determined, though this lias not been the primary purpose of tlie trials. The position regarding women volunteers in the E.P.S. service is stated to be just satisfactory and, because of the continual withdrawal of men for military training, it is considered that not enough .women tire coming forward to help in maintaining E.P.S. strengths. The position will lie accentuated by tlie further gaps created through tlie call-ing-up for military service, of men in the 38-40 age gr-.'mp, now announced. Since the withdrawal of Mr. Bodkin, who held the office of Minister of Civil Defence, from the War Administration, it appears that for the present there is no Minister in charge of these activities, and this is stated t<> have complicated the situation regarding the declaration by'the Government of .a definite E.P.S. policy for nt least the four main centres.

Attendances at E.P.S. parades are reported to have been very good No prosecutions have been taken in Wellington against personnel showing laxity in performing their duties, but there is a possibility of these being instituted in lite near future. CONTROL OF E.P.S. Christchurch Resolution (By Telegraph. — Press Association.l CHRISTCHURCH. October 13. 'i'lte resignations of Messrs. Machin. MtteGibbon, Lyons, and Flint, who organized the Metropolitan E.P.S., were placed before a meeting of 500 E.l’.S. workers last night. The following resolution was carried:— "That this meeting of E.l’.S. workers in the Christchurch .Metropolitan area, having heard a recital by 'he or- t ganizing committee of tlie events leading to the committee’s resignation, concurs in tlie view Unit the present dominance by regional commissioner system is inimical to efficiency. It expresses thanks to the organizing committee for tlie work it has accomplished and entire confidence in the committee, and urges them to continue : their work contingent upon the Gov- | ernuient removing the present system | of oontrnl.”