POWER PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 141, 17 June 1930, Page 8

POWER PROBLEM.

KING'S WHARF STATION. «A TEMPORARY EXPEDIENT." GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY. IMMEDIATE ACTION WANTED. The need for the establishment of standby steam plants to meet any future hitch in the continuity of electrical supply in the Auckland Province was mentioned at yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Electric Power Board. The chairman, Mr. W. J. Holds worth, revived the suggestion, which originated during the time of the Massey Government, that a reserve power station, operated by steam, should be . established at Huntly, and as an alternative proposal, that additional Diesel plants should 'be provided to meet the present difficulties created by the failure of Arapuni. The board agreed that while it was prepared to do its utmost to tide the Public Works Department over a difficult period, its willingness did not relieve the Government of its obligations so far as the guaranteeing of a permanent electrical supply was concerned. "The board must consider the operation of the King's wharf plant under the present conditions as only a temporary expedient," said the general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, after indicating the steps that had been taken to meet the emergency caused through unexpectedhappenings at Arapuni. "Personally I feel very gratified at the way the King's wharf staff lias accepted the position, and at the excellent manner in which it has tackled the job. The future, however, demands immediate consideration. Estimates Affected. ■ "It Jβ reasonable to suppose that our consumers will not put up with the restrictions for an indefinite period and the matter of extensions and the adding of further load connot be retarded .without seriously affecting this board's financial position. Already estimates must be cast aside, as they were framed under, entirely different conditions to those in which we now find ourselves placed. We know sufficient of the Arapuni trouble to realise its magnitude and the time required to complete the work if it is undertaken. I am, therefore, convinced that something must ■be done to provide additional power in a much shorter time than can be expected from the Arapuni development. Whether this is undertaken, by the Government or by this board for its own district only, it must be done. In my mind there is no doubt that, under the circumstances it is a Government responsibility demanding immediate attention.

"I noticed in the Press a statement by the Public Works Department that their agreement protected them against liability in the case of power interruption. This is true, but the protection is intended to' apply to the ordinary interruptions to which any power plant is subjected. I further contend that, to shut off the source of a power supply for a very indefinite period, as is_ the case with Arapuni, comes under entirely different consideration, and was never intended to be covered by the clause referred to." ■ ( "Back On Our Own Resources."

"As was anticipated, we have been completely thrown back on our own resources," said Mr. Holdsworth. "I quite agree that the protection clause in the Government's agreement applied only to ordinary stoppages. When we closed down the King's wharf plant some months ago we looked to the Government to supply all our requirements. I think it only right and proper that the Government snould also realise. its responsibilities. It was with this aspect of the -case in view that I waited on the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. W. B. Taverner. Both Mr. Taverner and" officials of the Department realised the graveness of the situation at Arapuni, and the former stated that he was awaiting reports to sec what was necessary to be done. He promised, however, that as soon as these were available a conference would be called with members of the board.

"What the board is concerned about at the moment is: Where is it going to get power to provide not only for present requirements, but to meet its obligations in the future? We cannot get away from the fact that it is going to be an expensive undertaking, and a very long one. Even if it is going to cost the board money, we must find a way out. I mentioned this aspect of the problem to Mr. Taverner, and he thought the establishment of a steam plant at Huntly as a standby was well worthy of consideration, particularly 'n view of the efficiency with which steam plants were working with pulverised coal. Of course, a Scheme of that nature would mean time, and we may have to consider something that would produce quicker results —a Diesel plant. Until wo have the proposed conference with representatives of the Government, however, the board should not rush into anything big. We are prepared to do our part, but we certainly expect the Government to do something to meet the unforeseen happenings at Arapuni."Replying to a question by Mr. E. H. Potter, Mr. Holdswor*h said that no doubt the Government would take up the question of Hqrahora generating below capacity. The Government was so positive that there was no need for extra equipment there that it did not repair certain plant that was damaged by silting during the diversion of the river at Arapuni. A Question of Finance. Mr. S. I. Crookes said that if the trouble at Arapuni was going to be lengthy, it would seriously affect the board's financial position, and also the cost of power. One organisation, that was going to be affected was the Auckland Transport Board, and it would be necessary for the board to confer with it. The question of establishing a plant at Huntly, or developing some reserve supply, was a matter of expediency. While the board was willing to do its bit, it wanted others to do their share also. Mr. Holdsworth: We do not accept responsibility, but., we will help others to carry out their responsibilities. Mr. Bartley said that in the board's agreement witli the Government there was no mention of retaining the King's wharf plant as a standby. Mr. Holdsworth: The agreement prevented us from using the station except in case of emergency. Mr. T. .Bloodworth: We could have sold the plant. ; Ultimately the general manager was authorised to draw up a contract for the supply of coal for the King's wharf station. Mr. Holdswor,th stated ,that regular coal supplies were very essential, as the station would now consume 3000 .tons a week. The conditions had altered since the old contract, for the board would have to get its supplies of slack at a higher rate than before, ■ j. ...