ENEMY ATTACK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20061, 6 October 1939, Page 4

ENEMY ATTACK

RAIDING UNLIKELY GISBORNE’S ISOLATION SAFETY FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD COVER ESSENTIAL The possibility of Gisborne being made the objective of a swift raid by an enemy force, naval or military, was dealt with as an unlikely event, but one for which some planning should be undertaken, when the matter of enemy action was discussed at a meeting of the District Emergency Committee,' held last night. The general functions of the emergency committee were outlined in a review of activities presented by Colonel R. F. Gambrill and Mr. O. G. Thornton, who at a previous meeting were appointed to co-ordinate the work of a number of sub-committees dealing with different features of the preparations. "The committee considers that the two major emergencies to be provided for are enemy action in time of war and earthquake disaster. As to enemy action, having regard to the natural features both by land and sea, except in the case of complete occupation of the country by a successful enemy there is little to provide for, except the possibility of bombardment from the sea, the landing of a small raiding party for the purpose of destroying property, attack from the air by machine-guns and bombs, and 'an enemy attack overland,” stated the review. “No particular military objective can be obtained by any of those possible sources of action, and the enemy is unlikely to waste ammunition on either bombardment from the sea or attack from the air. Raiding from the sea and an attack overland are possibilities, though not probabilities; and such eventualities should be provided for. Evacuation a Possibility “In the event of troops being available in the town, the senior military officer would be in control. Whether troops were present or not, it would be desirable to provide facilities for the evacuation of women and children from the town. This answers enemy action from the sea. In the event of enemy threats by land, this would be prefaced by landings in some , force elsewhere; if no troops were available, or if outside areas were already occupied, even if no attack were threatened, the committee’s duties would be to organise the community, preserve order, and conserve supplies during enemy occupation. If troops were available, the committee would then assist the military authorities in a like direction. “In the event of invasion or threatened invasion from the land, no good purpose could be served by endeavouring to evacuate the town, for the areas to which evacuation might take place would almost certainly be occupied by enemy forces, and it would be easier to provide for the community if its members remained in their usual places of abode. “In the event of any enemy action, the attack would not be of long duration. The best method of protection would be the evacuation of the town areas to open spaces close by, affording cover from view, cover from fire, or both. This could be arranged for by individuals independently. As this period would be short, each household could take its own supplies, food and water sufficient for one day. Undue concentrations and crowding of roads should be avoided.

“Ample cover could be found close to the town, and the following areas are suggested for residents: —Town, Showgrounds; Te Hapara, Makhraka Domain; Awapuni, Poverty Bay Golf Links and plantations on foreshore; Whataupoko, Mangapapa Valley; Kaiti, Hole-in-tlie-Wall and' the sandhills along the Coast road. “It may not be possible to give authoritative warning as to the desirability of evacuation of the town. A special signal should be arranged, possibly by use of the fire siren, in case warning can be given. “The refugee committee could .undertake the duty of advising the community as to details of evacuation when arid if the organisation think this necessary. Meantime the refugee committee should consider this problem and prepare for duty. Rationing Plan to Be Considered “The supplies committee should consider the rationing of supplies, particularly in the case of enemy attack overland, having regard to our normal stocks and sources of food. As war progresses, this will require a constant watch, as supplies fluctuate and probably dwindle. “The medical committee should arrange first-aid posts in evacuation areas, and also for duty in town. “Territorials would not be available for special police duties, and it is essential therefore for special police outside the territorial force to be recruited. Adequate traffic control and special police could assist materially in evacuation. “As to earthquake, the organisation would be required to function for at least two weeks continuously. “Dealing generally with commitees’ reports, at least four controllers of each committee should be appointed in order of seniority, and committees should be brought up to strength by enrolling and recording all. personnel required. Rolls should be reviewed every three months and vacancies filled, reports to be ipade to the registrar as changes occur. v “In respect of headquarters, two things are essential, viz., a large open area for assembly of helpers, and facilities for parking of transport; and administrative buildings for headquarters offices, etc., in close proximity to the open area. ' The Childers Road Reserve and Victoria Domain offer the most suitable places, with the intermediate school as headquarters’ administrative block." The '.review then proceeded to deal specifically with the reports of individual committees, recommending adjustments in certain matters, and emphasising the more important points demanding attention. Attached to the review were copies of the reports of the different committees, indicating that a considerable amount of pre-, paratory work had been done, particularly in the direction of listing the ‘ the materials and supplies which | plight be required for the proper : execution of the* duties assumed by j each committee,