CONTROLLER’S REPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 299, 19 December 1941, Page 4

CONTROLLER’S REPORT

RECENT BLACKOUT TEST -THREE GLARING CASES” Three glaring cases of householders failing to comply with the blackout requhements when a test was earrie.i out in Wanganui last Sunday was reported from the Gonville area, stated the District Lighting Controller, Mr. H. W.' /:i, v.hen reviewing the trial at a special meeting last night of the Wan .anui E.P.S. Executive Committee. In one case, said Mr. Webb, lights were showing from front and side windows, but when approached by a warden the householder refused to put them out. At another dwelling the lights were turned on after the warden had passed. A torch was also used in this house during the blackout and a strong beam of light thrown up Alma Road. The third case concerned a house where the lights were shining full on at the back. This ease, said Mr Webb, was described by another resident as a disgrace to the neighbourhood. After thanking the wardens for their co-operation and valuable work carried out in a short space of time. Mr. Webb said 171 cases of lights shining during the blackout were reported, also eight cases of motor x chicles failing to comply with the regulationsLights were showing in the following localities:

Aramoho: Seven and one mqtor-car; Castlecliff, live; College Estate, live, one motor-car, and three cyclists travelling without lights: Durie Hill. 15: Gonville. 37 and three particularly bad eases: Smithfield Road and Springvale, 15; St. John’s Hill. 12 and one motor-ear; Wanganui East. 33 and one motor-car; city area. 42 and one motor-car. Observers were posted on the Bastia Hill water tower, on St. John's Hill, and on the Memorial Tower. Durie Hill. Mr. Webb said, and it was reported that 10 minutes after the blackout had begun. 18 lights which could have been seen from aircraft were visible. The chairman, Hon. W. J. Rogers. M.T..C.. said he was sure some valuable Icx-ons had been learnt from the blackout test. * The effective strength of the Law and Order Section was 175. and on the night nf the test 143 reported for duty, or approximately 80 per cent, said Inspector .1. A. Ijempsey. Some members were away from Wanganui, two were ill. and others were on duty In Ihe Tiamways Department. It was gratifying to himself and the Chief Warden, Mr. H. R. Beauchamp, tn see such a good response, Inspector Dempsey added.