BLACKOUT IN CITY

Southland Times, Issue 24887, 29 October 1942, Page 4

BLACKOUT IN CITY

Successful Trial

Between the hours of 8.25 and 9.45 o’clock last night Invercargill was a ghost city. The Hacking out of all lights, coupled with the haltlight of a moon partially obscured by clouds, left the city in an eeiie darkness. Only the occasional liglit of an E.P.S. vehicle, or a bicycle lamp or the torchlight held by a pedestrian was seen. From the viewpoint of the layman the casual observer who risked something in a walk through the business area—the blackout trial was a success. Soon after the, time of starting the blackout the streets of the city became almost deserted. Few pedestrians were on the streets; mobile cars were conspicuous by their absence, and tramc on the roads generally was a minus quantity. The skyline was a study in silhouette, the tall buildings of the business area showing out sombrely against a cloud-flecked sky. Invercargill might well have been abed. WARDENS ON ROUNDS Wardens, working in pairs, had a busy night patrolling the districts in search of offenders. There were many border-line cases and there were odd. cases of insufficient screening of hgms. Some persons failed to realize that it was a complete blackout, trial, but they hastened to rectify omissions when they were pointed out by wardens. In the city area the most noticeable “glare” was that showing from the lights of the Arcade between Esk and Tay streets. Some shops showed screened lights which reflected then.’ rays to the outside world and the tram timetable frame opposite the Post Office was a blaze of light. Generally, however, the blackout was a success, if only from the point of view of correcting mistakes. Messengers attached to wardens and wardens’ posts were on duty and had as busy a night as any member of the E.P.S. Law and order officers and the transport division also were on duty. Where necessary wardens’ posts were “supplied” by the law and order unit. Cars and trucks were available for the transport of personnel to the posts. AT WAIKIWI At Waikiwi the blackout was fully effective in most areas. The residents co-operated with the wardens and the restrictions generally were well observed. Some persons needed instructions and the lessons given should be beneficial in future.