BLACKOUT PLANS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 285, 19 March 1941, Page 5

BLACKOUT PLANS

ARRANGEMENTS FOR WHAKATANE ALL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN With other towns in the Bay of Plenty having adopted semiblackouts during the past few weeks a number of local residents have been enquiring as to what is being done in regard to similar precautions ini Whakatane. At the monthly meeting of the Borough Council held on the 10th of. this month,, His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. S. Barry) announced that for some time the local authorities had had the matter in hand! and preparations' were being made for possible eventualities. Interviewed by a BEACON reporter yesterday Mr Barry stated that the people need have no anxiety that Whakatane is lagging behind ot\ier ; ntrcs, as its duty in such arrangements foi blackouts is well in hand and all steps taken in accordance with Government instructions.

TO COMMENCE SHORTLY MEETING LAST NIGHT To bear out the foregoing information a meeting was held last night. The local Emergency Precautions Committee had been awaiting a visit from Mr J. D. Dicker, of Opotiki., who is the laison officer in connection witn reduction of lighting, and Mr Dicker at short notice made the visit and outlined tho policy he had adopted in other centres. It was decided that the blacking out of Whakatane would commence shortly and details of requirements from business houses and private liomes will be published in the next issue of the BEACON and the plans put into operation. It is the intention to cover or remove all lights visible from the sea ; and electric signs, street lights, shop lights which cause an upward glare as well as those in private homes will be dealt with. It is understood that the Government is at pre'sent considering the matter of the use of car lights at night. The Emergency Precautions Committee has in Whakatane been forging ahead Avith matter of vital importance and when sufficient personnel is obtained will be prepared for any eventuality. For blackout purposes wardens will be required and these will probably be appointed within the next week.