THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1942. PROTECTING PEDESTRIANS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3151, 31 July 1942, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1942. PROTECTING PEDESTRIANS

Many- citizens, especially motorists, will be in agreement with the recommendation of a Wellington jury that pedestrians be compelled to wear (or carry) something white during the hours of darkness. When blackout conditions were first imposed, the Minister of Transport urged the public to adopt the practice, but few people • did so. Fortunately, -blackout mishaps have been remarkably few, but this does not justify continued apathy, especially in mid-winter, when conditions after dark are more confusing and risky than ever. Insistence upon so simple a precaution would not be a serious hardship. In many thousands of cases, it might . well serve the additional purpose of bringing about obedience to the E.P.S. instruction that members must keep their armbands with them at all times—for an armband, worn inside out for. this purpose, would be a convenient and effective “something white.” Moreover, the wearing of their bands, for such a reason, by E.P.S. personnel, would draw the attention of others to the official rule.

TRIBUTES TO THE WOMEN

There will be wide appreciation of the graceful tribute paid to the women of New Zealand by the United States Minister (General Hurley) during his speech at the opening of Wellington’s new club for Service personnel. Women play in war the most difficult of roles. The courage demanded of them is the rare courage of patience, faith and passive sacrifice. In’ addition they are relied upon to perform—-nearly always without material reward and often with scant public praise—so many of the small and menial yet essential, tasks of the war effort. These tens of thousands of women in this and all other democratic countries who have entered the uniformed Services have earned universal admira-, tion. Their enthusiasm, capacity "and bravery form one of the shining lights in a dark world era. Yet even more vital to our cause and national wellbeing is the steadfast faith and courage of the mother, the home-keeper and the neighbourly helper. - These were the qualities, and the women, to whom General Hurley' directed his tribute—one which was particularly timely in view of the invaluable aid given by women volunteers, at considerable personal sacrifice, in staffing and maintaining centres of hospitality for Service folk.