AIR-RAID PRECAUTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 111, 14 May 1942, Page 5

AIR-RAID PRECAUTIONS

REVIEWED IN N.S.W. “BROWN-OUT” RESTRICTIONS RELAXED Sydney. May 13. The accident toll in the brown-out is the main reason for the impingement of Sydney street and bus lighting, announced by the State .Minister of National Emergency Services, Mr. Heffron. Plans are being prepared for further relaxing the brownout restrictions. From all States has come considerable agitation for the relaxing of these restrictions, but it has been generally admitted that advice on such matters must come from the military authorities. The commander of the Allied land forces, General Blarney, has made a report to the Federal Government, expressing the view that the States’ Vrown-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. Th? Sydney relaxation applies only to lights which can be put out from a central switch. Lighting in parks has improved because of the allegations of increased crime in such illlighted areas.

“The brown-out is causing people unnecessary discomfort and danger,” said Mr. Heffron, but he gave a warning that the public might have to face a complete blackout before very L(».ig. Any modification of the brown-out must not be taken as an indication that the danger was past. The threat was real and near. At the present time headlights of all motor vehicles are completely hooded, but Mr. Heffron has promised that vehicle lighting will be attended to after the question of street lighting has been settled satisfactorily. The present Sydney lighting restrictions appear no more severe than those in most New Zealand cities, and certainly not as drastic as some provincial centres. The consensus of opinion here is that heavy lighting restrictions at the present time may have a harmful effect on civilian morale, as well as offering a danger to life and limb. All authorities emphasise the necessity of preparations for a complete black-out, which can be brought into force at a moment’s notice. Air-raid Precautions In some respects precautions against possible enemy air raids on Australian coastal and industrial centres appear 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 screened, so people on pavements are given a measure of protection from shattered glass. However, the change has far from given a depressing air to shopping areas. Most screens have portholes through which goods on display can be viewed. Firms have vied with one another to make protective work as attractive as possible, ana 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 to be protected by wood encasements. A million pounds have been spent on the National Emergency Service Organisation in New South Wales. Uncompleted plans require the expenditure of a further million. The National Emergency Service personnel now numbered 90,000. Air-raid precautions at schools, hospitals and public buildings cost £250,000. However, an official survey shows that only 10 per cent, of Sydney city’s average day population of about 400,000, excluding a large floating population, is provided with A.R.P. shelter cover. Preparations are now being made for protection of heavily increased numbers. The Munitions Department is to use bombs up to 500 pounds to carry out tests to determine the shatterproof qualities of various materials used to cover windows. Branches of the National Emergency Services will carry out war condition tests in Sydney. Old buildings will be dynamited and others will be theoretically fired, and National Services personnel will rescuf victims. The tests will be the most comprehensive yet made in Australia.