BLACKOUT AT PETONE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 181, 29 April 1941, Page 10

BLACKOUT AT PETONE

Problems Created By Restrictions

Concern at the inconvenience caused to the public by the blackout regulations and by the petrol restrictions was expressed by some councillors at last night’s meeting of the Petone Borough Council. The first point raised related to lack of adequate lighting at the Post Office corner crossing. It was stated that an elderly man had recently been knocked down by a vehicle at this crossing. Reference was also made to the difficulty seme people experienced in crossing roads, many being tripped through being unable to see the edges of the footpaths.

It was agreed to refer the matter to the local E.P.S. organization to see whether something could not be done to improve matters. Cr. A. M. Macfarlane mentioned that, largely as a result of the blackout position, many people used taxis at nights. Since last Thursday it had been discovered that six out of eight of the Petone taxis were not operating, having consumed their petrol allocation for the month. While he appreciated the necessity for conserving petrol as part of the war effort, he felt that some inquiry should be made to ascertain whether the position could not be improved. If a state of emergency happened to arise during such a period, when there was a shortage of petrol, there might be serious consequences. After some discussion as to what authority the matter should be referred to, it. was agreed to refer it to the by-laws committee of the council with power to act.