ALMOST INVULNERABLE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20045, 18 September 1939, Page 3

ALMOST INVULNERABLE

BRITISH INDUSTRY AIR RAID PROTECTION LONDON BLACKOUT EASED (Eire. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Oliiciiil Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 15. Everywhere in London and Britain’s other large cities elaborate air-raid precautions are manifest. Less easily observed are the airraid precautions in industry. But, according to articles in the Financial News, “now that work is proceeding night and day, it will not be long before industry is in that virtually " invulnerable state which the Civil Defence Act claims to secure In many fundamental departments] full preparation has already been made.

“The ’ necssary reserves of switchgear and similar equipment are available lor immediate repairs _of any electrical generating plant which may bo destroyed, a supply of railway material is available for quick repair work and the Government has prepared a stock of building material. “It may be impossible to prevent raiders from doing some damage as long as they are willing to lose a substantial proportion of the machines they send. But it is possible to prevent any damage they may do from dislocating the industrial system, and these precautions have been taken. Whatever may happen, the essential services which maintain industry will continue to work."

Although night life in the West End is stil severely restricted owing to the black-out regulations, London :s rapidly accommodating itself to war-time conditions.

Tile re-opening of theatres and cinemas in central London until G p.m. and. in other suburbs and the rest of the country until 10 p.m., marks an important relaxation of the restrictions, which has been warmly welcomed.

Modification of the lighting restrictions on vehicles also permits freer movement at night, although this will be offset bv the rationing of petrol which takes effect from to-morrow week. Motor-car owners and others arc looking to other methods of transport and a heavy demand for bicycles has resulted in a rush of orders to manufacturers at a time ol the year which is normally quiet in the Midlands where the industry is largely centred.

Black-out conditions have also converted cyclists, prospective and actual, to the use of rear lamps for which there is also a great demand.