WHY?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 153, 10 September 1941, Page 5

WHY?

IS INCONVENIENCE FAIR

more; light on blackout WANTED

"Do we suffer the inconvenience of the blackout for defence purposes or because of the shortage of electricity. If this

has been introduced owing to the shortage of power, then I consider that inland towns as well as those on the coast should share the inconvenience." Thus spoke Cr S. S. Shapley at the monthly meeting ot' the Borough Council on Monday night.

Gr Shapley continued to state that not all towns in England were subject to such restrictions as Whakatane and, if the position was merely a shortage of power, then more units should be allowed the coast and inland centres made to share the inconvenience. He suggested that enquiries should be made, and he was supported by Cr X. J. Canning, who stated that in a letter from England much amusement had been expressed that Whnkatane was observing a blackout.

In reply to Cr J. Creeke the Mayor stated that the instructions were from the War Cabinet. "We won't get any information—l'm certain about that," he added.

"It would le reasonable to assume that our Army heads would know if any raiders were likely to make a raid, but I can't imagine a raider casting shells on Whakatane.—we nr e all inoffensive and harmless people here!" said Cr W. Sullivan. He added that if there was danger of a raid then a blackout should be prepared so that it could be effected, but he felt that the present restrictions were unnecessary from that point of view. "We can't walk alon£

the street in safety in Whakatane ret in Rotorua you can read a newspaper and Hamilton has electric signs blazing."

Continuing he said that in one breath the Government stated that there was no shortage of ele«tricity and-then the next day made cuts in allocations, giving as a reason for the need to conserve the power. "If there is a genuine shortage of pow*. er then all towns should suffer. In Whakatane we have to go home by force of habit or custom—or find ourselves in the ditch."

He concluded by saying that the Government should tell Lhe people the truth and thus let them know where they stood. On his suggestion it was decided to communicate with the Minister with a view to learning the exact position, and pointing out the need for more power in Whakatane.