NO RELAXATION

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 35, 5 November 1942, Page 4

NO RELAXATION

Civil Defence During Coming Holidays

“In spite of the- apparent recent improvement of the position in the Pacific there is no possibility of any relaxation of civil defence preparedness,” said the Minister of Civil Defence, Mr. Wilson, yesterday. “Unfortunately, the enemy is not likely to refrain from attacking us because our people are in need of a well-earned holiday, and past events have shown that the element of surprise is one of the most successful methods of warfare,” said Mr. Wilson. “Therefore to declare a civil defence holiday at Christmas, or at any other time would Ibe tantamount to advising’ the Japanese of a good opportunity. The need of the moment is for more training and sufficient equipment, arid it would Ibe necessary for all E.PjS. organizations, and particularly those in the more vulnerable centres, to ensure that an efficient organization was on the alert throughout the holidays.

“It is not suggested that everybody should be prevented from taking a holiday, but close check should be kept, on the movement of personnel available in the various E.P.S. units to ensure that sufficient are on hand during the holidays to deal with any possible emergency. “The restrictions arising out of the war situation will prevent people from travelling any - great distance from their homes, and many who would normally be going away for their holidays will this year be staying at home. This should greatly assist the Emergency Precautions Services in their planning for the holiday period.

“'However,” concluded the Minister, “every endeavour will be made to lighten the burden of people on holiday, tout definitely not at the expense of national security or the safety of the general public.”