LIGHT REDUCTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20525, 8 April 1941, Page 4

LIGHT REDUCTION

WARDENS’ MEETING PRECAUTIONARY STEPS MANDATORY POWERS The expectation Hint wardens would meet with some criticism from householders and property-owners when they called for compliance with the black-out regulations was expressed by Mr. F. R. Ball, district lighting controller, at a meeting of wardens held last evening. He stated, however, that the regulations must be applied, and owners of property must be prepared to effect a complete black-out where required for the safety of the town and district. The regulations were prepared with a view to war precautions, said Mr. Ball, and the light-reduction committee and its wardens had a definite responsibility. The criticism which they might expect would be in regard to the continued illumination of the navigation lights about the harbour, the wharf lighting for cargo work, and othtr illumination over which the committee had no direct control. Hampering: Anomalies The fact that these lights continued to burn while occupants of business and residential buildings were obliged to apply the black-out regulations would hamper the wardens in their work, perhaps, but it could not be allowed to interfere with preparations for a total black-out in the town if it should become necessary. Owners and occupiers of premises must put themselves in a position to establish the black-out if it became necessary. Extreme measures were not immediately necessary, so far as houses not visible from the sea were concerned, but all windows must be provided with suitable blinds for use in emergency. No bare lights could be allowed, and fanlights through which illumination might show must be screened. No Unnecessary Expense Two-storied buildings would have to receive particular attention. for obvious reasons, Mr. Ball continued. Despite the anomalies which occupiers of premises might quote, in respect ol navigation lights and other illumination not under control, wardens would have to insist upon compliance with the spirit of the regulations. The controller pointed out that he had not hurried matters in Gisborne, as he did, not desire to put the people to any unnecessary expense or inconvenience. He now felt obliged to ask for the co-operation of all, however, in an endeavour to put Gisborne and the surrounding district in a state of readiness for complete enforcement of the regulations should the necessity arise.