EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24147, 13 December 1941, Page 10

EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

Every responsible citizen will comply with the Mayor's extension of the Emergency Precautions Scheme. The enemy has a long arm and every possible step must be taken to meet his blows if they come. Now is the time to act. Slit trenches can be constructed easily and quickly. Those in authority are satisfied of their value and the recommendation to dig and form such valuable,means of cover should be promptly observed. The Mayor has issued orders bringing the reduced lighting scheme closer to a complete blackout. This is eminently sensible. The reduced lighting scheme in the past few weeks has been very ineffective. The public will readily realise that no light should be visible from windows facing the sea and can be relied on to comply with the new orders. Auckland is a naval base and every citizen must co-operate in its defence. In that behalf the Mayor calls for approximately 650 volunteers for the performance of auxiliary police and traffic duties. His appeal will be readily and promptly answered. The steps taken by the Mayor should be examined in the light of the decisions by the Australian War Cabinet: among other things late shopping is prohibited in Australia, and window displays cannot be illuminated at night. New Zealand must view the situation as seriously as Australia. Citizens will discharge their responsibilities calmly, knowing that promptitude now is the best form of insurance for the future.