VULNERABLE OR NOT?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1942, Page 3

VULNERABLE OR NOT?

POSITION IN MASTERTON RULING WANTED. DISCUSSION BY E.P.S. EXECUTIVE. Is Masterton to. be regarded as a vulnerable or a nonvulnerable area? This question was again debated at a meeting of the Masterton and District E.P.S. executive-last night, when it was decided to obtain an official ruling on the matter.

The question arose following the reading of a lengthy letter from the Wellington Education Board regarding measures for the protection of school children in an emergency. The letter stated that it was not anticipated that there would be need for the digging of trenches at schools in many cases. The provision of slit trenches had to be confined to the schools regarded as being in vulnerable areas. According to the original list, Masterton was not regarded as being a vulnerable area.

Mr J. Robertson said it could not be said now that M.asterton was not a vulnerable area; in fact, no place in New Zealand could be regarded as not being vulnerable.

The chairman, Mr T. Jordan: “It is a matter of opinion.” Mr Robertson: “Precisely. It is the opinion of those I have had discussions with and of officers who have come back from other areas, especially men back from Singapore.” Mr Jordan: “We ought to take the military authorities’ view. There is no parallel between this country and Singapore. We are separated from the enemy by thousands of miles.” Mr Robertson stressed his point, making reference to the strategic position of New Zealand in the Pacific war. “Why are we doing all this business at all if Masterton is not likely to be attacked” he asked. “The situation has changed completely in a matter of weeks.”

“There cannqt be any invasion of New Zealand unless a nearby base is seized,” said Mr Jordan. “If the British and American fleets were disposed of and a base seized we might have an invasion.” Mr Robertson and he, observed Mr Jordan, differed in the matter.

“But you were both digging trenches at the College,” said Mr W. Kemp. Mr Jordan :“That was entirely without prejudice.” Mr Kemp: “Why did you let Mr Robertson beat you for the pumpkin?” (Laughter.) Mr J. H. Cunningham said it seemed to him that they were making all sorts of preparations. They should arrange their plans to meet the worst if it happened. If it did not happen, well and good. Mr M. M. Simpson: “What is involved? The digging of a few trenches?” Mr Jordan: “It might involve the question of providing shelters.” Mr Norman Lee: “Things alter almost over night. Cannot we get it laid down by someone whether we are or are not a vulnerable area and settle it once and for all?”

“Hear, hear!” observed Mr Jordan. “I think the military man is the one to go to.” Mr W. V. Madden said it seemed to him that the committee was wasting a lot of time. Regulation after regulation and amendment after amendment were issued, and none of them knew where they were. Several people had spoken to him, including members of his E.P.S. section, and asked what was being done and what would be done if Masterton had a raid. They complained that those on the executive were going to get it in the neck, as they had given no lead. It' had been stated that Masterton was not a vulnerable area, but if Masterton had a raid, where were they? They should be prepared. Mr Jordan: “What do you propose to do?”

“Dig trenches,” said Mr Madden. \ “Well, dig them, then,” replied Mr Jordan.

After Mr Madden had restated his vievf, Mr Jordan said he was prepared to stand up to what he had said regarding Masterton being a non-vulner-able area. He had obtained better opinion than the man in the street and had endeavoured to get the best opinion available on the matter. What difference did it make if Masterton were considered a vulnerable area? he asked. The digging of trenches, he said, and people could go ahead and dig them if they wanted to. Mr Norman Lee: “Cannot we get it laid down whether we are or are not a vulnerable area?”

It was agreed to communicate with the authorities and ask for a ruling.