PARTIAL SUSPENSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 296, 16 December 1942, Page 4

PARTIAL SUSPENSION

LIGHTING RESTRICTIONS PROVISION FOR BLACKOUT Private residences may now use unrestricted lighting, drawn blinds are not required, and outside lights may also he used, said the District Lighting Controller, Mr. H. Uebh, when giving details yesterday of a partial suspension of the lighting restrictions. Business premises may use unrestricted lighiing in shops and windows, Mr. Webb added. Neon signs are permitted to be used between sunrise and sunset, but are prohibited between sunset and sunrise. Lighting controlled by time switches in unattended buildings and undei verandahs is prohibiten. Mr. Webb emphasised that provision must still be made for ar. immediate blackout if necessary. As ai present, householders must nave one room prepared in this way. Blackout trials will not be suspended. The partial suspension of the restrictions follows an announcement made in Wellington last week bv the Minister of Civil Defence, Hon. D. Wilson, who stated that apart from certain harbour areas in Wellington and Auckland it was possible to lift the restrictions. He also stated that pending th° gazetting of detailed orders it would be in order for householders and shopkeepers in most areas to revert to ordinary window and shop lighting. No announcement has yet been made concerning lights used by motor vehicles. It is assumed that headlights must still be nipped in accordance with the regulations. Wanganui city and suburbs are included in the headlight restriction areas, COMMENT BY MAYOR POSITION OF STREET LIGHTS Commenting at a special meeting ol the Wanganui City Council last night on the partial lilting of the lighting restrictions, the Mayor, Hon. \V. .1. Rogers, said that he had been in touch with the District Lighting Controller, Mr. H. Webb, that morning. While the new regulations would not be ready for some time it was possible to restore much lighting in the meantime. Mr. Rogers added that it was not possible to remove the shades fitted to street lamps. Street lighting in Wanganui had been improved, but if the shades were taken off it might be necessary ot replace them from time to time, a procedure which would involve much work. These shades, however, would be removed as soon as possible. The question of restoring normal lighting on tramcars was also referred to by Mr. Rogers, who said the acting city engineer, Mr. W. J. Freethy, would endeavour to see if this could be done. It was gratifying to know that lighting would he considerably improved for the Christmas season, Mr. Rogers added. The District Lighting Controller would advertise from time to time and advise people what they could do.