Gaol for Breach of Black-out Precautions

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 110, 10 May 1941, Page 6

Gaol for Breach of Black-out Precautions

Per Press Association. ■WELLINGTON, May 9. The possibility of imprisonment being imposed in future for wilful breaches of the lighting regulations in blackedout suburbs was referred to by Jlr. J. H Lu-tford, S.M., to-day when Ernest Aunear, a gas company employee, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the restrictions. Annear was fined i-, tho Magistrate stating that the fine would have been £lO but for Annear s circumstances. “Where -we have lack of co-opera-tion and that lack of co-operation is wilfully committed, the Courts ha% e got to impose heavy penalties,” said Mr. Luxford. “ Indeed the Court will have to consider whether imprisonment should not be imposed in tho first mSt The police said that Aim ear had been ■warned by the Lyall Bay warden to screen his lights. Later the warden saw the blinds up and the lights showing. The warden handed him a notice setting out the regulations, and without reading it, Annear deliberately tore it up and threw it on the ground. Defendant said that it was only an oversight that he had not drawn the blinds, but lie had always been used to having the blinds up and tho windows open.