RADIATOR SUPPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 136, 10 June 1924, Page 15

RADIATOR SUPPLY.

DEPUTATION TO POWER BOARD BUSINESS MEN'S COMPLAINTS. A deputation representing architects, manufacturers, estate agents, shopkeepers., electrical traders, engineers ' and business men generally, resulting .] from the boards invitation to the architects to discuss, the question of radiator supply, waited on'the Power Board yesterday afternoon. The deputation requestud the board to reconsider its deeisiun regarding the supply of electricity lor radiators, and also requested.- that there should be an unrestricted supply of electricity for all purposes. II r. W. EL Oummer said the'" deputation fully realised the board's difficulties and also that the monopoly enjoyed by the board carried obligations, which obligations the deputation felt the board was anxious and willing to fulfil. The deputation further understood and knew the actual position' to-day, arid' submitted that tlie board's present policy regarding radiators was not actually preventing the use of such apparatus, but was only an irksome restriction. The deputation, while quite conscious of the fact that a radiator load is what may be termed a seasonable one, respectfully submitted that the board's., present poljc-y'inakes no .allowance forT the diveraity of usage existing among the various and would-be consumers. 0 It was also pointed out that in charging the maximum rate allowed by its license, for radiator supply, tile hoard was exceeding its powers in imposing restrictions in regard to hours of use. The board enjoyed a great monopoly, greater than any '. other supply authority in the Dominion, hut that monopoly carried with it definite legal and moral obligations. One of the obligations was to give a supply of electricity to any applicant without restrictions aS to uses to which the supply shall be put. It was submitted that the present position was unfair, in that those who had plug points l already installed in their shops, offices or workshops, can have electric radiators, whereas when such parties move to new premises, it is a- matter of chance whether they can continue to use their radiators or not. The deputation would also be grateful and would be greatly assisted "if'sßie ■board would announce .'its policy in .. , regard to supply generally.- There still appeared uncertainty as 'to whether a general supply is available .for power and lighting purposes in.the area already reticulated by the board, and if the board would make a definite pronouncement on this point, it would be appreciated. Replying to the deputation, the chairman (Mr. W. ;j. Holdsworth) said'that the ; matters brought before the Board : would require very serious consideration. For the last eight years the City Council forced to place restrictions upon certain quarters. The council was the owner of the concern. The Power Board was pnly : two years old, and,-whereas in the past the council had been forced to the conclusion that while industries were clamouring for power, radiators could not be catered for. That position was now entirely changed, and for the first tinje in eight years the board had a surplus of power, and was therefore in a ' position to. give the matters brought i before the .board by the deputation full! ' consideration.' 'It is a coincidence that ' j ' y6u should -wait upon us "when we are in sjich a position. We have a 5000 kilowatt set, and arrangements are being i - made for another set. Increased demands ' are being made upon us, and we have growing and difficult problems to consider. The Government lias not fulfilled its promises which, of course, has not. assisted, but, gentlemen, I assure you your requests will be seriously considered." • ■ •< tyr. \V. H. Glimmer then thanked the !•! chairman, and the deputation withdrew. It was decided, on the motion of the '-\ chairman, that the matters mentioned j i by the deputation be referred to the com- ' mittee of the ■whole board. I . . .■'■ ; ' I