PARTIAL BLACKOUTS

Evening Star, Issue 24047, 20 November 1941, Page 11

PARTIAL BLACKOUTS

THE NECESSITY EMPHASISED s POSSIBLE “ HIT AND RUN " RAIDS (P.A.I AUCKLAND, Nov. 20. “ The precautionary measures being taken by the emergency precautions services organisations under tho authority of the Emergency Reserve Corps regulations have tho full concurrence of tho Government, and are the result of ■recommendations to tho War Cabinet by the Government’s advisers, the chiefs of the staffs,” said tho Prime Minister to-day, replying to tlm oft-asked question, “ is there real justification for partial blackouts mid the staging of a trial of total blackouts iu this country, which is so far removed from the theatres of war? ”

Air Fraser said that full opportunity was accorded recently to the mayors of the four principal cities, Mr Allum (Auckland). Air Hislop (.Wellington), Air Andrews (Christchurch), and Air Allen (Dunedin), also the chairman of the Municipal Association (Air Jordan. Masterton)', ami a representative of tho Counties Association (Air Blackley, Upper Hutt) at a conference in'Wellington, which was also atended by the Ministers connected with Defence, the members of the War Cabinet, tho chiefs of staff, and himself, when general agreement was reached on lighting precautions. It was agreed that it was tho bounden duty of the Government to adopt any measures that would make more difficult an attack on New Zealand by an enemy raider. It was established that unrestricted lighting could bo of material assistance to the navigation of an enemy ship, and that the steps taiken will materially reduce that risk. “ So far as concerns the nature and degree of tho attack which can be anticipated in tin’s country, the people of the Dominion can be assured that the matter iapunder constant review to tho end that preparations may be changed in accordance with any changes iu the war situation overseas. “ As the position stands to-day, the nature of attack which is most likely is that of a ‘ hit-and-run ’ raid by an enemy raider bombarding the ports from the sea, and possibly with a plane or planes attacking from the air.

“ It may be, of course, that in view of the distance of this country from any enemy base, such an attack would bo neither severe nor prolonged, but if adequate precautions were not taken the result might be very serious, particularly in loss of shipping and shipping facilities, and of buildings generally. It is well known that a plane used by a raider couldl carry a large load of incendiary bombs, and if measures are not taken to control the resultant -fires in their incipient stage, the loss of property can well_ be imagined. Consequently, under direct regulations, property owners in vulnerable areas will be required to equip their buildings with first aid fighting appliances, such as bucket pumps, and sand rakes, and shovels, and occupiers and employees in such buildings will be required to act as fire guards capable of handling the equipment. “ The General Staff is definitely of the opinion that the construction of air raid shelters at present is not warranted in viev; of the probable scale of air attack. “ As I have already stated, the War Cabinet has the war situation continuously under review, and if any changes that occur appear to the Government to warrant action being taken in connection with the erection of shelters, such action will be taken immediately. “ Both the Government and the emergency precautions services in the more important centres have been preparing plans and obtaining the necessary information with regard to alternative moans of shelter from blast and flving splinters. Architects and other experts have been carrying out these surveys, and reports are being furnished to the Government. This question is being kept under constant review, and further definite action will he taken by the Government whenever the war situation demands it.”