PRECAUTION PLAN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21231, 30 September 1940, Page 6

PRECAUTION PLAN

PROGRESS IN WAIKATO WIDESPREAD INTEREST ROUSED OTHERS SEEKING DETAILS Board and Council, the official journal of the Municipal and Counties Associations of New Zealand, devotes a column in its issue of September 25 to the Waikato emergency precautions scheme, In which five local bodies are already participating. The Otorohanga County Council has received official approval of its action in joining up with the Waikato movement. Although last in joining, organisation in that county has gone ahead with surprising rapidity. A new list of leaders will be issued early next week to all leaders, so that they can know and meet one another to discuss details. Copies will in addition be sent to all council members. Avenues of Instructions In the event of an emergency occurring every member of the Emergency Precaution Volunteers acts in accordance with his leader’s instructions. The leaders receive their instruction from their own local body, which in turn receives them from the Government or the person to whom the Government deputes its authority. Important conferences have taken place with the Auckland district commander of the Home Guard and the leaders of the Waikato emergency precaution scheme. Those who have been rather confused about the position will be relieved to know that perfect co-operation between the Home Guard and the Emergency Precaution Volunteers is certain. It does not appear to be generally understood that there are two separate regulations, one governing the formation of the Home Guard and one governing the formation of the emergency precaution schemes. Membership in either movement is voluntary and every citizen is asked to study both schemes and decide which oilers him the best opportunity of serving his country. Information Sought The Mayor of Morrinsville, Mr W. Hetherington, as chairman of that area’s emergency precaution committee, announced recently that he would shortly be calling a meeting of that committee to consider adopting the Waikato plan. Telegrams were received during the week from two South Island local bodies. A large number of returned soldiers' associations have also written. Here are a few extracts:— "It seems that the best thing to do is to go ahead and organise our district on your lines.” “There is hardly need for me to say that I wish your executive every possible success, and, as I said, I shall be glad to receive further information.” The Kawhia County Council has asked for an explanation of the Waikato scheme for its next meeting.