05/31/2026
(text from the article May 5, 1943)
A.R.P. Demonstration
SHAWNIGAN LAKE — Malahat-Shawnigan A.R.P. personnel staged a demonstration Sunday afternoon at the S.L.A.A. Hall. R.C.A.F. planes flew over the grounds in a mock bombing attack, giving the proceedings a most realistic effect. From the control room in the S.L.A.A. Hall district warden E. G. Gibson directed the activities of all branches. Firefighters, rescue squads, stirrup-pump teams, first-aiders, messengers and clerks, under the direction of their deputy wardens, were kept busy during the entire program. Capt. T. G. Stokes, controller and chief warden, Malahat-Shawnigan area, and Mr. Staner, secretary, took moving pictures, and after the demonstration Cpl. Taylor and Staff-Sgt. Johnson of the Provincial C.C.C., showed motion pictures in the hall. G. Heddon of Victoria gave a lecture on “Gas.”
ED NOTE:
In WWII, Shawnigan made a considerable effort. An Air Raid Patrol (A.R.P.) division was formed to provide civil defense. After the war, the fire-fighting branch of the ARP group became Shawnigan’s first local fire department.
Once again, the Red Cross was very active with units in the village as well as one at Cliffside. The Women’s Institute issued ration books, produced several dozen quilts and sent boxes of food and clothing to England. They also offered home nursing and first aid classes.
Even the children helped. At the little school on the west side all of the students collected clothes. The older students also used a portable sewing machine to make children’s clothes and then put together bundles that were sent to Britain.
