E.P.S. CONTROL

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 250, 23 October 1942, Page 6

E.P.S. CONTROL

CONFIDENCE IN THE COMMISSIONER. DISTRICT CONTROLLERS' RESOLUTION.

A resolution of confidence in the Regional Commissioner (Colonel W. T. Churchward) and approval of the regional control system w.as passed at a meeting of E.P.S. district control - lers of the Southern Military District, in Christchurch, with only on-e dissentient. The meeting was attended by Messrs A. H. Allen (Otago), E. H. Andrews (North Canterbury) , P. B. Foote (South Canterbury), E. R. Neale (Nelson-Marlborough), H. J. Macalister (Southland), and G. H. Harker (West Coast). Colonel Churchward presided. According to a statement issued after the meeting, Mr Allen presided during Colonel Churchward's absence (while the subject of the subsequent resolution was under discussion), the following resolution being passed:— "That this meeting of district controllers expresses complete confidence in the Regional Commissioner of the Southern Military District, Colonel Churchward, and that we approve of the system of regional control and district controllehs as now operating." The dissentient was Mr Andrews. His objection to the action of a meeting in passing the resolution of confidence was explained later by Mr Andrews, reports the Press. "I dissented from the resolution because, as I told the meeting, the matter was sub judice, since it was under consideration by the Prime Minister," said Mr Andrews. "The regional commissioners apparently got together and decided on this method. They are seeking resolutions of confidence throughout New Zealand." The following resolution was carried in Christchurch on October 12: "That this mass meeting of E.P.S. workers in the Christchurch Metropolitan Area, having heard the recital of events by the organising committee leading to their resignation, concurs in the view that the present dominance by the regional commissioner system is inimical to efficiency. It expresses thanks to the organising committee for the work they have accomplished and its en~ tire confidence in the committee, and urges them to continue their work contingent upon the Government removing the present system of control." The Press Association reported on October 16 the following resolution passed by the Palmerston North E.P .S. committee : — "This committee enters an emphatic protest to the Government against the present system of control which, in the committee's opinion, will not produce the best organisation for protecting citi zens in time of emergency." 17