MOTUEKA E.P.S.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 31 August 1942, Page 1

MOTUEKA E.P.S.

COMPULSORY PARADE

ADDRESS BY DISTRICT CONTROLLER

A compulsory parade of Motueka E.P.S. personnel, held in the Institute Hall, was attended by the District Controller, Mr E. zl. Neale. Mayor of Nelson, who addressed those present.

The Mayor of Motueka. Mr W. J. Eginton. said that as local Controller it was necessary from time to time to spring surprises on the members of the E.P.S. That evening, during the period of emergency, he had walked round the town area, and as far as could be seen the black-out had proved 100 per cent, successful. The ranks of the various units had been depleted through a number of members having been transferx’ed to the Home Guard. This resulted in fresh personnel being brought into the organisation, and in consequence those members had had little training. The majority of the members in the works section, which was a very important one. were between the ages of 51 and 60. He thought some younger men should be included in such a section. When the E.P.S. vas first formed it was with the idea of functioning in the event of large fires, earthquakes or Hoods, but later war emergency became the principal work of the E.P.S. Mr Eginton stated that Mr E. R. Neale had been appointed District Controller and in that capacity lie had at tended the demonstration that evening. He hoped what Mr Neale had seen would compare favourably with dt* monstrations in other places. Mr Neale, who was accorded a hearty welcome by the Mayor of Motueka. said he did not anticipate having to address such a large gathering of E.P.S. members. He referred to the difficulties that had arisen through the compulsory transfer of members to the Home Guard. To maintain interest in an organisation that demanded many practices in preparation for something that might come, and which everyone hoped would never come, was another problem. said Mr Neale. The E.P.S. was. he added, an organisation in winch the members could not expect to be rewarded for what they did. In regard to arm bands, it was pointed out that they may be worn on the right arm, especially by members driving vehicles as the right arm, being nearest the window', the armlet was easily recognised. He considered that men on point duty should wear white gloves, a white sleeve, or something white so that they could be seen by drivers of vehicles. In speaking of his position as District Controller, Mr Neale said he was quite satisfied to leave the control of Motueka to the local officials, as the muster in the hall that evening was a sufficient guarantee of the keenness of all concerned. He considered that If an emergency did arise at any time unit leaders would have -v rely a good Vai ou common sense and act accordingly. The question of transport, he said, was giv - ing officials some thought, but the best would be done under existing circum stances.

In regard to evacuation, Mr Neale ad vised residents to ‘ stay put” in case of an emergency and not to wander about and impede traffic on the streets and roads.

Speaking on the demonstration that evening Mr Neale expressed himself impressed with the Church Hall as a suitable place for a dressing station, and remarked that the warning signals in the borough appeared to give good coverage. There w'as he said, an excellent turn out of the fire section, and a large muster of ambulance workers, and the men on point duty were quickly at their posts. The Motueka control room, although on a smaller scale, was very similar to that in operation in Nelson.

Mr Eginton, in thanking Mr Neale for his visit,'expressed the hope that he would find time on a future occasion to visit Motueka.