PORT LIGHTS KEPT ON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 64, 17 March 1942, Page 4

PORT LIGHTS KEPT ON

REQUEST BY E.P.S. WARDENS *‘l don't, think we can do anything about that. It is a matter lor the Marine Department,” commented the acting-harbourmaster, Captain F. G. Taylor, when a request was received bv Ihe Wanganui Harbour Board at. its meeting yesterday, for navigation and harbour lights to be extinguished. A letter from the Wanganui E.P.S. authorities staled that lighting wardens had asked that these harbour lights should be extinguished. They had experienced .great’ difficulty in persuading people at Castlecliff to comply with the blackout when harbour lights were visible to sea. The Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C.. said he had been told in Wellington that navigation lights came under the jurisdiction of the Navy , and the Marine Departments. The E.P.S. could be informed, however that everything possible would be done to obscure lights coming under the board’s control. Authorities in Wellington could be approached on the other question. Captain Taylor said the main port light at Casttecliff. visible for a considerable distance oul. to sea, could be switched off in 10 seconds. Lights at the end of the moles, and in the river channel, could be extinguished in half an hour. The mole lights were not. visible more than about thre" miles out. Instructions had to com-’ from the Marine Department before ’ navigation lights could be extinguished.