MAKING SURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 92, 19 April 1941, Page 11

MAKING SURE

SKY-GLOW REDUCTION

MR. SEMPLE'S DEFENCE

RECENT CRITICISM

The lighting restrictions,were justified today by the Minister of National Service (Mr. Semp.le) when referring to recent public criticism. He said that if at any time the Dominion was the subject of enemy attention through a raider it was certain that no notice would be given of the raider's purpose. It was essential to prepare against such an event, and the action taken had been in conformity with the expert advice received by the Government. "Everyone will agree that in war it is better to be sure than sgrry," said the Minister. "Expressions of doubt and unnecessary or unreasonable criticism will make it difficult for us to obtain full results through public cooperation in what, after all, is an effort to give the people greater proJtectifn. "The Government is Jn constant touch with the Imperial authorities- and receives technical, and expert advice from the chiefs of the -. three defence arms. Any line .of action taken in the matter of reduced lighting, has been in conformity with this advice. NO WARNING. - "Of one thing we may be sure: if this Dominion is at any time the subject of enemy attention . through a raider we will hot be given notice of his purpose. We must, therefore, prer pare against such an event,, because it will be- no good trying ,to do these things when shells or bombs are actually falling. The Navy affords.us wonderful protection, but oceans are vast and if a raider slipped through, we would afford him great assistance by making- it easy for him to identify his landfall. ■ The glow in the sky cast by city lighting and direct lights showing from coastal towns can assist' an enemy ship at night to fix his position positively and,by facilitating his fell purpose will help his escape. "The lighting restrictions are designed to eliminate skyglow and to obscure lights showing directly, and as precautionary, measures, in view of the expert advice the Government has received they are fully justified.. > They will cause, inconvenience, but surely inconvenience is the least we are entitled to expect in war. We are making sure in good time so we may not be sorry, and I look forward to the fullest support of the local authorities and ofcthe public in the application of these measures. It is in the public's interest that. I expect this support." ■ -