E.P.S. AND HOME GUARD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 3 September 1942, Page 3

E.P.S. AND HOME GUARD

CRITICISED •MOORE CO-OPERATION NEEDED’’ Oaniaru, Sept. 1. IJfging a closer liaison between the E.PjS. and the Home Guard, Mr L. J. K. Familton at this evening’s meeting'of the E.P.S. controllers expressed the 'view that the organisation might not function as expected in a time of emergency. He criticised a system which in Oamaru permitted the use of no fewer than six controllers of motor vehicles. Mr Familton, a former Mayor of t>imaru, is deputy-controller of supplies. “While we are pleased with the work thafc is being done, the time has come for reorganisation.” said Mr Fanjilton. “As things are at present it would be most difficult for the E.F.S. to function in an emergency. and Tin making this statement I do not*wish to give anY r personal offence. We have in Oamaru six motor controllers —that is, six men doing one man’s job—and whose work all duplicates.” declared Mr Familton. “It is high time we altered this sort of thing —time the Home Guard and the E.P.S. were reorganised. If anything should happen don't blame the E.P.S. if the organisation just doesn't function—blame the set-up instead. Why, the controller of supplies would not know where his transport would come from. I feel most strongly on this question, and I consider that representation should be made to the proper authorities. The Chief Controller (Mr J. C K rkness) said that representations as proposed by Mr Familton had been made some months ago, but nothing

| had come of them. In fact, they met ■ with very little sympathy. As medical controller. Dr. R. S. J. , Fitzgerald said that members of his section were expected to attend Army 1 casualties, and to convey them to the ; nearest hospital: but the section would ■ still function as a civilian unit, and, j captured by an enemy its members j would be regarded as irregulars. | The Chief Controller said the official j view was that it was now too late to j cl ° anything. “My own view is that I it is never too late,” he added.