MORE LIGHTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 23, 27 July 1944, Page 6

MORE LIGHTS

RESTRICTIONS TO GO

MOTOR-CARS INCLUDED

A complete removal of the emergency lighting restrictions Avhich were imposed l'or reasons of defence in 1941 has been effected by the passing of the Lighting Restrictions (Revocation) Emergency Regulations gazetted this Aveek.

In announcing the Government's decision today the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry) said the revocation of the restrictions, Avhich in the light of earlier events in the Avar had proved necessary. Avas in keeping Avith Government policy of. reducing Avartimo restrictions as opportunity offered.

The cutting out of the lighting restrictions, ivhich included those on motor-car lights, would probably not make a great deal of difference in the North Island because of the real need that existed for the conservation -of electricity in the island, but the revocation would greatly benefit the South Island.

It Avas felt that should further necessity arise tlie conditions of black-out could adequately be obtained by announcements OA'er the radio or by other local means.

The Minister recalled seA'eral instances Avhen it had been necessary to curtail lighting drastically, particularly in harbour areas, and also mentioned the fact that practically continuous control of coastal lighting had been essential over a lengthy period. The local lighting controllers and tlie E.P.S. lighting Avardens had done a valuable work in obtaining maximum efficiency during that critical period. Great credit was due to them for their good sense in handling the situation in a most tactful manner.

"It has been said," Mr. Parry added, "that one of the worst features people of Avartime Britain have to contend ivith. is the black-out. We in Neiv Zealand are indeed fortunate that even the small amount of inconvenience AA'ith which we have had to meet can noAV be completely relaxed. We can only hope that it Avill not be long befor the same position can be applied to the British Isles."