Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1942. BY NO MEANS A JOKE.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 May 1942, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1942. BY NO MEANS A JOKE.

QPO those taking part in it, and to those merely observing it as onlookers, the trial of Emergency Precautions services to take place in Mastertoil tomorrow is not unlikely to present its perplexing and possibly even its ludicrous aspects. It will be wise to remember, however, even in the presence of complications or make-believe which appear to give ground for laughter, that the trial represents a serious and methodical approach to the treatment of what may easily become problems of life and death. So long as the skies above us are traversed only by our own planes, it is easy.enough to jest about the imaginary descent of explosive and incendiary bombs and the measures taken to deal with them. As affairs stand in the Pacific, however, we have no guarantee whatever that mock warfare may not at any time give place to the reality, in this district or in any other part of New Zealand.

If enemy air raids extend to New Zealand, and it certainly is possible that they may, we shall at once become vitally dependent, not only on military defence, but on all branches of civil defence organisation. It is from the standpoint dictated by these facts that tomorrow’s Emergency Precautions trial should be regarded. The trial represents an attempt to build up teamwork and a team spirit which may do much, if an emergency of Avar develops, to set limits to loss of life and destruction of property and services. It is likely enough that in the conduct of the trial many mistakes may be made and many shortcomings may become apparent. Taking thought, however, all concerned —those alike who take an active part and those who look on —will find in these exercises the kind of experience that teaches. Any faults or failures disclosed should be regarded only as indications of what has yet to be done in building up the efficient civil defence organisation of which at any time we may stand most urgently and even desperately in need.