TOTAL BLACKOUT

Evening Star, Issue 23950, 30 July 1941, Page 6

TOTAL BLACKOUT

DARKNESS IN INSTANT MINISTER JUSTIFIES MEASURES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 29. According to a statement by the Minister of Transport, Hon. R. Semple, at a meeting of the Road Safety Council to-day, steps are now being taken by the authorities to prepare for a total blackout, so that Wellington, for example, could be plunged into darkness at once. The lighting restrictions' must continue in»New Zealand, the Minister said. That was the advice given to the Government by the Amy. Navy, and Air Force authorities, who considered that the blackout was necessary in the interests of public safety. Mr Semple said it was for him painful indeed to have to sit down and take criticism from ill-informed, notunderstanding critics without being able to hit back by telling them the facts and the reasons behind the decision to impose the lighting restrictions. “ Can anyone imagine that a Government with any sense of responsibility would ask for restrictions, inevitably imposing a certain degree of hardship and considerable inconvenience, without a good solid reason ?’\ Mr Semple asked. “ I cannot say in ‘public what these reasons are. I can tell you in strict confidence.” Mr Semjjle then spoke to the council in committee, and placed before them the written views of the Government’s advisers.

“.For far too long all of ns have been living—and myself among them—in a fool’s paradise,” the-Minister said. “ We had hoped to live our lives in peace. We know now that we are not going to be allowed to live in peace. It is the fault of no individual that we have been living in this fool’s paradise. It comes from the natural hope of all people of the British Commonwealth of Nations to live in a world of peace. But neither you nor I in our lifetime are going to live in peace.’’ Mr M. F. Luekie expressed the appreciation of the council for the really inspiring and informative address given by Mr Semple.

NO LIKELIHOOD OF MODIFICATION ENSURING MAXIMUM POSSIBLE SAFETY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 29. “ I do not think there is any likelihood of this happening,” said Mr Nash when asked last night if there was any prospect of the blackout restrictions in parts of New. Zealand being modified to permit of more lighting. He added that it was essential to ensure that the lighting procedure gave the maximum, possible safety to the Dominion and the least possible aid to the enemy. He said he had discussed with a deputation from the Auckland and Wellington City Councils and E_.P.S. organisations the possibility of New Zealand broadcasts being of assistance to the enemy, and this was one of the points to which attention was being given, The Government would shortly mate a statement on the whole question.