RULES ABOUT LIGHTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 123, 27 May 1941, Page 8

RULES ABOUT LIGHTS

CONTROLLER'S WARNING

STREETS AND HOUSES

"Though the fullest possible publicity has been given to the further rules under the Emex-gency Lighting Regulations, too many people in business have made very little effort to comply," said the Lighting Controller for the city rrea, Mr. L. B. Hutton, today. "These rules must be obeyed, and though penalties have not so far been sought against the many offenders action will be taken unless there is marked improvement."

Mr. Hutton said that in Wellington the regulations had been imposed in a reasonable and gradual manner. There had been no panic rush to black the city out in one hit; the reduction had been made step by step—with probably more to follow agayti—but too many had taken advantage of the desire of the authorities not to bring about an abrupt change, with resultant temporary upsetting of the city's affairs. "Either some of these people can't read, or don't read, or .they are subnormal in intelligence," said Mr. Hutton.

Apart from the patrols made by district wardens, he said, no fewer than 170 patrolmen directly under his charge had been on duty, with as many as 100 on patrol at once, endeavouring to see that the regulations were understood' and complied with. The very number of inspectors necessary suggested that the co-operation which should be given was badly missing. "SUNSET AT CLOSING TIME." Neon signs and display lighting were to be extinguished at "sunset," continued Mr. Hutton. As a reasonable working hour he regarded 5.30 p.m., the normal closing hour, as sunset, giving at this time 20 minutes or more leeway over the strict time of sunset, but many places with neon and display lighting stole more time and ran on till 6 and later, and were lavish in their excuses and explanations when told about it. "Sunset at closing time is reasonable and convenient. It is a relaxation of the strict rule which is not subject to further relaxation at the whim of the individual," he said. The sunset rule applies to every shop, whether in the city or the suburbs. FEW SHADES PLACED. Only a minority of shop managements have so far done anything about the shading of window lights which shine on to the footpaths, reducing the power of globes (60 watts is the maximum allowed), or removing entrance lights-. Mr. Hutton's warning of definite action against those who ignore the regulations may, however, encourage action before the late shopping night on Friday, but there are many premises open till late hours throughout the week where nothing has so far been done.

It was rather remarkable, said Mr. Hutton, when giving his general warning, that though no more than a request had been made to householders in non-vulnerable areas the response there had been quite gratifying.