THE BLACKOUT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 65, 15 June 1942, Page 5

THE BLACKOUT

STILL SOME DELINQUENTS PROSECUTION FOll OFFENDERS After all the repeated warnings regarding, the blackout restrictions, it is hard to believe that there are still some householders within the Borough of Whaka'tane who consistently ignore the regulations and make very little real attempt to comr piy with local requirements. At the meeting of the E.P.S. Committee last Thursday evening, Mr S. S. Shapley when speaking of the 'blackout'' tests said he would like to see more of these carried out—as they tended to make people realise the reality of the war. He complained also that there were still many people Avho were not paying any attention to the outside glow, proving that they had not provided the light-proof rooms required for the 'blackout' tests. The secretary said that if people still ignored the regulations after so manj" warnings the only thing to do was to prosecute. "We don't wish to go to extremes" said Mr Shapley, "but there are many persons living in Government houses—some 25 per cent at least who have not provided a 'black' room. We have got to make them realise that it. is their duty to do so." The Mayor: "If we made an example of a few glaring cases, the rest Avould soon fall into line." Mr Delves said that if it was once known that the committee would never prosecute, they could never hope for an efficient blackout. Mr Lysaght: "Why should Ave expect our Avardens to go night after night Avarning these people. If they still continue to do nothing then I think its time to let the police do the job." The committee resolved to take firmer action in future and to prosecute offenders who had been warned without further delay. In connection Avith the above the Dominion Lighting Controller in a special communication emphasised the necessity of enforcing the strictest supervision. All AvindoAvs facing the sea must be completely blacked Avhile rear lights must be screened to preA r cnt 'gloAV.'