REDUCED LIGHTING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 14 August 1941, Page 8

REDUCED LIGHTING

DEFENCE CONSIDERATIONS SUMMARISED Christchurch, Aug. 13. ‘‘The naval and military authorities are of the opinion that a hit-and-run raid is the most likely form of attack. An invasion is possible but remote and an air attack is considered to be less likely than a raider attack. A hit-and-run raid is believed to be more likely at night than during the day hours.” This summary of defence considerations behind the Dominion’s lighting restrictions and their method of application was given today by Mr E. Hitchcock, the reduced lighting controller for the Christchurch Mr Hitchcock answered many criticisms of the restrictions and defended them on the ground that they were, in the circumstances, a prudent middle course, the alternatives being to take no action or to impose a blackout. ‘ For the community the main point is that the defence authority recommendations have been embodied in regulations gazetted under an Act. The Dominion controller, through his deputies, is called upon to administer j them,” said Mr Hitchcock. “The pub- ; lie is asked to comply with rather than to analyse and assess them. In any case, without the information upon which the authorities acted and upon a defence measure in wartime, competent. wise and prudent criticism is difficult.” —P. A.