The Blackout In

Fiji

STRICTER observance of the black out in Fiji has been demanded by the military authorities, reports “Fiji Times.”

The question as to whether there could be any relaxation in blackout regulations was taken up by the Civil Defence Advisory Committee, but military opinion was that it should be more complete.

It was pointed out that the United Nations were not yet sufficiently en trenched in the South Pacific to warrant the assumption that an attempt to raid or invade Fiji would not be made, con sequently the only revision in the black out regulations should be towards making them as complete as they were in most Islands bases in the Pacific.

On February 26, 1942, a partial black out order was issued, and stated that a partial blackout should be observed throughout the islands of Viti Levu and Ovalau, and the adjoining waters.

Since that date there has been a gradual neglect of this observance by a number of residents, but the Commissioner of Police warned the public, in October, that instructions had been issued to the police, and special police, that in future no further warnings would be given—all offenders would be prosecuted. Civilians declare that members of the military community are the worst offenders.

Arguments for and against blackouts, in principle, are endless—but that does not alter the fact that a blackout that is observed by only a proportion of the community is useless. If competent authorities consider lighting restrictions are necessary, then the restrictions should be observed to the letter.