POWER SUPPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 177, 27 July 1940, Page 12

POWER SUPPLY.

BOARD'S PROBLEM.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. Owing to delay in procuring materials and equipment necessary for extension and reinforcement of the reticulation system, the Auckland Electric Power Board, at a meeting yesterday afternoon, decided on t lie stops that should be taken to safeguard the future. A report from the emergency committee stated that the trouble in the procuring of material and equipment was due to delay in obtaining the necessary import licenses and Reserve Bank permits, and the uncertainty of delivery of material from overseas. There was difficulty in obtaining steel, copper and materials needed in connection with the war. The board's system continued to grow, and weekly permits for installations averaged three hundred. Certain of the areas were overloaded, and the plant and equipment supplying those areas was fully taxed. The committee was compelled to recommend that some measure of restriction may be imposed, particularly in certain areas where the position i, more acute, until Mich time ■'» tin- position might be rectified. Fully Considered. When the emergency committee's iv port wih presented for discussion, the chairman, Mr. s. .1. Harbutt, said that ill" committee hail gone very fully into the matter, and had given it a lot of thought. He did not want anyone to believe there was anything in the way <>t immediate danger, and they were onlv taking a eommonsensc viewpoint of the future. The position was now becoming easier, as the load was falling. They had. however, to anticipate the position in the coming autumn, and had to provide against what might happen next year. In reply to a question, the general manager. Mr. R. H. Bartley, said that he did not anticipate any power shortage t]: iyea r. Mr. J. Park said that the (iovernnient should make it clear whether material eould not be got, or whether it could not i>o paid for. Mr. H. i. (ioldie said that he did not think it was a matter of credit, but by ' he time the people got their orders, the price was doubled. The permits for e.-sentia 1 stuff should be expedited. Proper Precautions. Mr. S. ]. Crookcs said that the idea <•! the commit tee's report was to see that proper and reasonable precautions were tnkrn. and that there was proper and reasonable foresight in securing j necessary equipment.

The board decided that the chairman and three officers should pro to Wellington, to discuss the board's position with the Government. The chairman added that after the deputation had been to Wellington an official announcement of the position would be made, and the co-operation of all existing and prospective consumers would be solicited in an endeavour to obviat© what might otherwise develop into a position such as would jcopordise the efficiency and continuity of supply to many consumers.