LATER START

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 206, 1 September 1941, Page 8

LATER START

SUMMER BLACKOUT

PRECAUTIONS AT DUSK

According to the law as it now stands, it is necessary to draw blinds and take the necessary blackout precautions relating to dwellings, buildings, advertising signs and motor vehicles at six o'clock. With summer approaching, however, it is obvious that some modification will be necessary in the hours. The legislation was enacted during the winter and no doubt was influenced by conditions ruling at the moment, although the Dominion controller of lighting, Mr. F. T. M. Kissel, was empowered to make variations at his discretion. For practical purposes, however, the blackout came into force at 6 p.m. and continues to do so.

The longer daylight hours were particularly noticeable yesterday, one of the brightest of early spring, and it was unnecessary to vise artificial

light until 6.30. Strict enforcement of the law would mean at least half an hour's wastage of electricity at a time when the public is being urged to conserve power. On the other hand, there are many electric advertising signs from which the proprietors derive benefit in daytime, and an extension beyond the legal hours would no doubt be appreciated by them.

When the matter was referred to the Auckland lighting controller, Mr. R. H. Bartley, to-day, he stated that he had written to the Dominion controller, and it was likely that a statement would be made shortly. Mr. Kissel had authority to vary the time to an hour after sunset and no doubt the pronouncement would be on these lines.

In the meantime, said Mr. Bartley, he would rule that it was unnecessary to apply the blackout precautions in the summer until dusk. This was, he added, common sense, and would enable the efficiency of the blackout to be retained without undue inconvenience.