BLACKOUT TRIALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24102, 22 October 1941, Page 8

BLACKOUT TRIALS

AUCKLAND DISTBICT FURTHER TEST PLANNED OBLIGATIONS ON PUBLIC In preparation for the next trial blackout in Auckland, which will be on a date yet to be announced, warnings are being sent out by the Emergency Precautions Scheme Organisation officials to some hundreds of householders and others who failed to comply fully with the requirements of the regulations on the night of October 12, when the first trial was held.

It is proposed that on the occasion of the next trial the various technical groups of the E.P.S.O. will be brought into operation so that the full working of the emergency scheme can be observed.

Under the revised lighting scheme all owners of premises are required to make provision so that all lights can be extinguished or completely blacked out immediately on the sounding of a warning signal. The chief warden under the scheme, Mr. J. A. C. Allurn, announced yesterday that it would he necessary for shopkeepers in particular to note the effect of these revised requirements. One likely cause of complaint are shop lights which are operated on a time switch set to cut the window and other lights off at a fixed time each night. Mr. Allum said that such lights could not be allowed to burn unless attended or unless other arrangements were made for them to be switched off on the sounding of the warning. He urged shopkeepers, owners of commercial premises and householders to observe this regulation strictly, as non-compliance would render offenders liable to prosecution without further notice. HEADLIGHT RESTRICTIONS AUCKLAND AREA EXTENDED

An extension of the headlight restricted area in the vicinity of Auckland has been notified to the Automobile Association (Auckland) by the Commissioner of Transport, Mr. G. L. Laurenson.

The new boundary to which the restriction signs are being moved will extend in the north from Campbell's liny, through Glenfield, to the harbour between Birkdale and Greenhithe. In iho south the restricted area, has been extended to include the Btiekland's Beach. Pakuranga and Howick districts. In the new areas it will now be unlawful to drive with two full headlights, and motorists in these districts will be required to alter their motor vehicle lights to comply with the regulations.