PUBLIC SAFETY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21247, 18 October 1940, Page 7

PUBLIC SAFETY

PROTECTED PLACES POWERS TOWARD OCCUPIERS DUTIES UNDER REGULATIONS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday Measures for the protection of lands and buildings in New Zealand are set out in the Protected Places Emergency Regulations, gazetted tonight. The regulations state that any superintendent or inspector of police, if it appears to him to be necessary or expedient for securing public safety, the defence of New Zealand, of the efficient prosecution of the war, or for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community, may by written notice require the occupier of any place first, to provide at all times and at times as may be specified, a watchman or a number of watchmen; secondly, to provide such lighting. fencing and other aids to security, as may be requested. It is further provided that any occupier or watchman at a protected place may firstly, direct any person not to enter or remain in a protected place or loiter in the ( vicinity of entrance: secondly, may search any person approaching, entering, remaining in or leaving a protected place, and may detain until the arrival of the police any person who commits or is reasonably suspected of having committed or being about to commit an offence against the regulations. No Claim Allowable No action, claim or demand can be made against any occupier or watchman of a protected place in respect of anything done by them under authority of the regulations. Every person commits an offence who endangers the safety of any protected place or its contents, or who resists, obstructs or deceives anyone exercising any power or function under the regulations, or who, without lawful excuse, fails to comply with the regulations. Offenders shall be liable in the case of individuals to imprisonment not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding £SO. and in the case of a body corporate to a fine not exceeding £2OO. In the exercise of their functions under the regulations, the police authorities concerned shall act in accordance with the directions of the Minister in charge of the Police Department _________________