City Council suggests dim lights for comet

Press, 11 October 1985, Page 5

City Council suggests dim lights for comet

Christchurch City councillors yesterday echoed reservations of the police and Ministry of Transport about a suggestion to turn off street lights to make it easier for people to see Halley’s Comet. The Canterbury Astronomical Society has asked local councils to turn street lights off after 3.30 a.m. between March 8 and April 27 next year. Police and traffic spokesmen have expressed concern that the lack of street lighting could increase criminal activity and motor accidents. Some members of the council’s airport and electricity committee yesterday shared these concerns. They felt, however, that it was a little harsh to refuse completely to consider dimming lights for what has been described as a once-in-a-

lifetime opportunity to see the comet. Instead of a blanket ban on turning the lights off, they set up a sub-committee of the Mayor, Sir Hamish Hay, the committee’s chairman, Cr Morgan Fahey, and Cr John Burn, and staff to consider the possibility of making day-to-day decisions on turning lights down for occasional days during the period requested. The councillors were not the first to express doubts about the suggestion. The Halswell Community Council, within Paparua County Council has declined the society’s request. Committees of the Riccarton Borough Council and Heathcote County Council have recommended that the request be granted. Other community councils and the Waimairi District Council have still to consider it.