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At the moment I am not in a position to give definite figures as to the final results, as the replies to a recent questionnaire: which I sent, to local authorities are only now coming to hand. It is, however, gratifying to be able to say that the number of replies so far received show clearly that should a calamity occur in any district (and it is to be hoped that no such occasion does arise) local authorities generally will have established a sound organization to control essential services in the locality and look after the well-being of the people until such times as normal conditions are restored. The scheme forwarded to local authorities was a guide scheme only,: It was framed on the principle of providing the most elaborate precautions against the worst possible emergency. In doing this it was realized that, to be at all effective, a local scheme must have regard to all those local circumstances which vary from one district to another, and generally should be sufficiently flexible to be adjusted to the peculiar needs of any particular locality. For this reason it was made clear to local authorities that as far as possible they should exercise their own initiative, and, using the basis of the scheme forwarded to them, make their local schemes such as would best suit the requirements of their own localities. That this course has been adopted, or is being adopted, is apparent from the information which so far has been received from the local authorities. Combined Schemes. It was suggested to local authorities that in many instances it would be preferable to pool their resources and prepare a combined scheme suitable for application to all the local comprised in a particular area. In this respect several Borough Councils have combined with County Councils in the preparation of joint schemes which should be of great, advantage to the local districts concerned ; but a better example of this course of action is in the Auckland District, where some thirty-one local authorities have combined to prepare a major scheme for the Auckland metropolitan area. This scheme is known as " the Auckland Metropolitan Emergency Precautions Scheme." I would add that the authorities promoting this scheme have kept in close contact with the Department of Internal Affairs, and it is apparent that a scheme has been prepared which has all the elements of the safety and protection of the inhabitants of the whole of the Auckland metropolitan area and general far-sightedness in its whole preparation. At a later stage I hope to be in a position to present to Parliament figures showing the number of local authorities that have responded to the Government's appeal and the number of localities that are thus provided with adequate emergency precautions schemes for use in the event of an emergency situation arising. Outline of Emergency Precautions Scheme. It is obviously unnecessary to attempt to explain in detail what is provided in each local scheme. They are, as indicated, framed for the benefit of particular localities, having regard to the needs of those localities. The individual matters contained in them will therefore be of no public interest outside the particular locality concerned. However, as each scheme has been framed on the general basis of that formulated by the Government, it would, I think, be of interest and, I hope, of value for me to explain in general outline how the Government's scheme was framed. General. The scheme is based on the principle that in each particular locality the local authority exercising territorial jurisdiction is responsible for the setting-up of an organization for action in an emergency. The co-operation and assistance of the appropriate Government Departments is made available for this purpose. For example, the Department of Internal Affairs is exercising a general oversight and guidance and will give whatever help it can. Then, in turn, all other Departments in any way affected are giving any help they can, either from Wellington or by means of their local officers. In this respect specially qualified Government officers in each locality are to act on any Committees where their services and experience could be suitably utilized. Up to the present I am able to say that local authorities have availed themselves fully of such assistance 011 the part of Government officials. Sections. The scheme is divided into sections. Each section, with the exception of Section 1, relates to some specific subject such as supply, transport, law and order, and so on. Section 1 is in the nature of a general introductory. It sets out the aims and objects of the scheme. Included as an appendix to this section are extracts from the report on the Hastings organization in the Ilawke's Bay earthquake of February, 1931. By a careful study of this introductory and of the Hastings report, local authorities are able to obtain a clear conception of the set-up of the organization necessary for an emergency situation and some idea of the actual workings of such an organization. Section 2 relates to the formation of a Supply Committee. This is responsible for the supply, control, distribution, and sale to the public, and supply to the other Committees, of all foodstuffs, clothing and other personal effects, bedding, coal, and other household supplies. It is also responsible for restoring the normal trading arrangements.

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