BLACKING OUT OF PREMISES

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 7

BLACKING OUT OF PREMISES

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OCCUPIER /

The responsibility for blacking out premises rests with the occupier. This fact was emphasized by the Chief Controller of the E.P.S. in Invercargill (Mr H. J. Macalister). He said that a recent order under the Lighting Restrictions Emergency Regulations made it clear that the occupiers of premises were responsible for the provision of blinds and screens for blacking out purposes. In support of the order, Mr Macalister quoted Paragraph 3 (1), which reads: “Every occupier of premises shall forthwith and at all times hereafter make provision for the immediate and complete blacking out at any time for an indeterminate number of hours of a room or rooms that provide enough accommodation for the greatest number of persons that may be in the premises at any time during hours of darkness.” DEFINITION OF “OCCUPIER” The word “occupier” is defined broadly as follows: “Occupier means the person in possession of premises, and in relation to premises occupied by a corporation, include the principal local executive officers of the corporation and such other person as may appear for the time being to be in charge of the premises.” “The Dominion Lighting Controller, or his deputy,” said Mr Macalister, is given wide powers in regard to the blacking out of buildings and may require immediate provision to be made in any particular premises. This order merits the careful study of all who wish to know what their duties ana obligations are in this matter, which is now so vital to public safety.”