Civil defence course impresses

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 16, 16 September 1986, Page 14

Civil defence course impresses

Civil defence organizations are of the utmost importance in areas at risk of natural disasters, such as the Waimarino. Few people regard Mount Ruapehu as active, and know little or nothing about the correct procedures to be followed in case of an eruption. Two Waimarino residents, Sue Kumeroa and Ellen Gould, attended a civil defence course from 20 to 25 July. The week-long course was held at the Arahina Girl Guide Training centre near Marton, in conjunction with the civil defence organization. Mrs Gould and Mrs Kumeroa attended the course along with 25 other people from areas such as Invercargill and Temuka which have been dramatically affected by floods over the last two years. Both are actively involved with civil defence in the Waimarino, Mrs Kumeroa as a member of the Red Cross and Mrs Gould as an Ohakune councillor. They were impressed with the manner in which the course was run.

The group was divided up into parties of about five, which attended lectures three times daily, and then put into practice what they had learned. The classes started at 8.30am and carried on sometimes until late evening. Mrs Gould was full of praise for the treatment she received while she was there. "The whole thing was extremely well run, we got very well looked after," she said. "The accommodation was great and the meals were good, but in turn we had to work very hard." Mrs Gould expressed concern at the few individuals involved with civil defence in the Waimarino, considering the vital role it plays. "The Welfare section is the hardest to get anyone interested in," she said. "Majororganizationssuch as Red Cross and Salvation Army carry the initial responsibility of handling the emergency, but it is up to civil defence to pick up the pieces." The Waimarino is desperately short of volunteers to take responsibility in the case of a civil emergency.

Mrs Gould praised the efforts of the existing volunteers and said that the area is in good hands. "Don Robinson is an extremely enthusiastic and capable organiser who has served the Waimarino well," she said.

Mrs Gould also stated that she would support the group by h£r standing in the borough council, and hoped that more people would become aware of the importance of such an organization.