THE RECENT BLACKOUT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 16, 20 October 1942, Page 5

THE RECENT BLACKOUT

TWO PROSECUTIONS AUTHORISED

HOME GUARD HEADQUARTERS

Reporting on the recent trial 'blackout' test, the chief warden for the Borough (Mr B. S. . Barry) at a meeting of the . E.P.S. Personnel last Thursday, said that an inspection of the . -Borough showed that generally the co-operation was excellent -but that the lack of co-opera-tion of the local Military Authorities was' most conspicuous, -He expressed appreciation of the successful coi-operatioti of the Hospital Authorities, the re- ; si dents as a whole and the good work performed by the wardens and the traffic control squad. The controller of works and wardens, Mr S. S. Shapley, reported in detail respecting the trial, mentioning again that the most, flagrant offenders in the business area were the Home Guard offices on the Strand, which maintained a full glow of light from windows and skylights during the whole of the test. In general the residential and business areas Avere satisfactory. Motor Drivers Action Mr Shapley reported the action of a motor driver whose vehicle was stopped by wardens in Block Ify but who in anticipation of further instructions allegedly drove off. The car number was taken however and -handed, in to the committee. Witli respect to the above the com--mittee decided to institute proceedings for prosecution. Alleged Abuse Another warden reported that, an occupier of a house which he had called upon had openly abused him. The committee decided to take similar action in this case. Other wardens related instances of the non-compliance with the re j gulations by certain householders in various parts of the Borough and it was decided to refer all these .matters to the Chief Warden and .Mr Shapley Avitli poAver to act in the matter if prosecution is thought Military Offenders After discussing the action of Home Guard headquarters in maintaining its full lighting facilities for the duration of the test, the -meeting decided to instruct, the secretary to l Avrite to Military Headquarters, Paeroa, describing the utter disregard of the lighting re-' istrictions as exhibited by local headquarters of the Whakatane Battalion, and that the Area Commander .be advised that if the position is not remedied by October 31, the matter Avill be referred to the police for prosecution. The lacik of suitable blackout facilities at the Winter Slioav Hall, Avill • «dso be referred to Area Military -Headquarters, and further reports on the 1 same matters Avill be for-i warded on to the District Controller.