PUBLIC SAFETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24432, 18 October 1940, Page 8

PUBLIC SAFETY

MEASURES FOR PROTECTION NEW AUTHORITY FOR POLICE CONTROL OF SPECIAL AREAS (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 17. Measures for the protection of lands and buildings in New Zealand are set out in the Protected Places Emergency Regulations gazetted to-night. The regulations state that any superintendent or inspector of police, if it appears to him to be necessary or expedient for securing the public safety, the defence of New Zealand, of the efficient prosecution of the war, or for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community, may by written notice require the occupier of any place: First, to provide at all times and at times as may be specified a watchman or number of watchmen; secondly, to provide such lighting, fencing, and other aids to security as may be requested. It is further provided that any occupier or watchman at a protected place may: First, direct any 1 person not to enter or remain in a protected place or loiter in the vicinity of the entrance; secondly, may search any person approaching, entering, remaining in,' or leaving a protected place and may detain until the arrival of the police any person who commits or is reasonably suspected of having committed or being about to commit an offence against the regulations. No action, claim, or demand can be made against any occupier or watchman of a protected place in respect to anything done by them under the authority of the regulations. Every person commits an offence who endangers the safety of any protected place or its contents or who resists, obstructs, or deceives anyone exercising any power or function under the regulations or who. without lawful excuse, fails to comply with the regulations.

Offenders shall be liable, in the case of individuals, to imprisonment not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding £SO and in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding £2OO. In the exercise of their functions under the regulations the police authorities concerned shall act in accordance with the directions of the Minister in Charge of the Police Department.