NO BLACK-OUT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 221, 17 September 1940, Page 9

NO BLACK-OUT.

TRIAL PURPOSES. POWER BOARD'S OBJECTION. "That in view of the complete dislocation that would be caused to industries, hospitals, transport services and other essential organisations, and of the extreme danger and the risk involved to the general public, this board would not be prepared to contemplate the introduction of any such experiment unless under the expressed direction of the Government or military authorities." This was the text of a resolution moved by the chairman of the Auckland Power Board, Mr. S. J. Harbutt, and seconded by Mr. S. I. Crookes, at a meeting held in committee on September 9. It was confirmed at yesterday's ordinary meeting of the ■ board. In the report of the committee it was stated that the general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, intimated that it had been suggested by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, that a trial black-out of the city should be arranged. "Whilst no official communication has been received in this connection," said the report, "Mr. Bartley wished to be in a position to reply immediately should the matter be raised, as he personally was not prepared to take the responsibility of plunging the board's area into total darkness. "A general discussion followed," added the report, "during which members expressed the view that any such experiment was quite unwarranted, apart from the fact that it would cost the board, in the general manager's estimate, somewhere between £2000 and £3000 over the period suggested, namely two hours." The report was adopted without discussion.