SYDNEY’S “BROWN-OUT”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24915, 14 May 1942, Page 5

SYDNEY’S “BROWN-OUT”

REGARDED AS TOO SEVERE relaxation announced . (N.Z.P.A. special Australian Correspondent.) . , : '• ■ SYDNEY. May 13. The accident toll in the “ brownout ” is the main reasoh, for the improvement in Sydney street and bus lighting announced by the State Minster of National Emergency Services, Mr R. J. Heffron. ‘ Pldfts are being prepared, for further relaxation of the “brown-out” restrictions. , From all the States has come'considerable agitation for relaxing these restrictions, but it has been-generally admitted that advice on such matters must come from militaty authorities. The commander of the Allied Land Forces, General Sir Thomas Blarney, has made a report to the Federal Government expressing his view. .. He states that the “ brown-out ” restrictions are too drastic. The report points out that the army had originally suggested diminished lighting,' but that, in Sydney and Melbourne particularly, lighting had been practically prohibited. ■ V ■ : ' The Sydney relaxation . applies' only to lights which can be put out fr6m a central, switch. The lighting of parks is being improved because of the allegations of increased crime ih such .ill-lighted areas, ■ The “brown-out” is causing people unnecessary discomfort and daijger,” said Mr Heffron, but he gave a warning that the public might have to 1 face a complete 1 “black-out ”} before very long. Any modification of the “ brownout ” must not be taken as an indication that the danger was past. The threat .was real and near. At the present time the headlights on all motor vehicles are completely hooded, but "Mr Heffron has promised that vehicle lighting wiir.be attended to after the question of street lighting has been settled satisfactorily. . Effect on Morale The present Sydney lighting restrictions appear to be no more severe than those in most New Zealand chips, and are certainly not as drastic as. some in provincial. centres. The concensus of opinion here .is that heavy lighting restrictions at-the present time may have a harmful effect; on ciyilian morale as well as offering danger to life and limb. All the authorities emphasise the necessity for preparations for a complete “ black-out ” which can be brought into force at a moment’s notice. . /.-va .. Ih some respects the precautions against possible enemy air raids on Australian coastal and industrial centres appear to be in advance. of those in New Zealand. During the past month the face of Sydney has changed completely. All shop, windows are now boarded up or screerftd, I so that people on the pavements’ are given a measure of protection against shattered glass. The change is, however. far from giving a depressing air to the shopping areas, since most screens have portholes through which the goods display can be viewed. Firms have vied with one another to make the protective work as attractive as possible, and the results in most instances are pleasing and effective. Many city buildings are protected at the base by heavy boarded-in sandbag emplacements.' It was found that sandbag barricades, required protected wood encasements. Provision of Shelters The sum of £1,000,000 has been spent on the national emergency service organisation in New South Wales, and the uncompleted plans require the expenditure of a further £1,000,000. The national emergency service personnel now number 90,000. The A.R.P. at schools, hospitals, and public buildings cost £250,000. An.official survey, however, shows that only 10 per cent! of Sydney city’s average day ■ population, about 400,000, excluding the large floating population, are provided with A.R.P. shelter cover. Preparations are now being made for the protection of larger numbers. > . . The Munitions Department is to use bombs up to 5001 b to carry out tests to determine the shatter-proof qualities of the various materials used to cover windows. Branches of the National Emergency Services will carry out war condition tests. Old buildings will be dynamited, and others will be theoretically set on fire, and the National Emergency Service personnel "'will rescue the “ victims.” The tests will be the most comprehensive yet made in Australia.