LOSS EXPECTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 93, 21 April 1941, Page 8

LOSS EXPECTED.

EFFECT OF BLACKOUT.

WAITEMATA POWER BOARD.

"I would point out that certain factors will operate to cause a decrease in revenue this year." said the manager of the Waitemata Electric Power Board. Mr. A. Main, in reviewing estimates for the year ending March, 1942, at a meeting of the board this afternoon.

"For instance, the air bases and Armr Department now buying power in bulk will mean a decrease in revenue of £4000; the reduction in the naval base supply agreement will decrease lan year's figures by not less than £2500; if the Devon port pumping plant is not required during the two rammer quarters, that will mean a reduction of •CI000; the reduction of lighting under tho Lighting Restriction Regulations, if continued, will also decrease the board's revenue by not less than £3500.

I "It is safe to say that as a result of the foregoing factors the board's reveaue will be decreased this financial Tear br not less than £11,000, and these de"creases will totally offset any new loading. Rationing must also be considered as a factor, and in the event of the board being called on to reduce load this winter there will be a further decrease in revenue of not less than £7000. "Serious Position Looming." "Most important, however, is the serious butter, meat and shipping position looming, which must affect our exports and imports, and the whole economic life of the Dominion. Economies seriously affecting the board's revenue will be put into effect by consumers, and already there are indications of this."

Dealing with the lighting restrictions. Mr. Main said that approximately 100(1 street lamps were disconnected in the board's area on March 11. To date, 60(1 of these, in positions not visible from the sea. had been treated and restani to service.

The executive had given consideration to the matter of treating lamps visible from the sea and it was considered that there were numerous positions where, if the lamps were dropped down to 1# feet from the footpath, they would be shrouded by natural objects such as trees and buildings. The lamps could then be fitted with a steel fitting of conical shape which would take the place of the present glass prism. Two test streets on the Xorth Shore were being treated in this way. Painting Of Poles. "Representations have been made to the board by several local authorities, asking that early action be taken to have the board's poles which are placed on footpaths painted white in view of the danger to pedestrians."' continued Mr. Main. "I would point out that this is a matter entirely for the local body and the board has no authority at law to carry out this class of work. I would further point out that although the board could have charged local authorities for street lights, notwithstanding they had been disconnected, it was decided to forego this charge until such time as the lamps could be reconnected.

"The local authorities will savo approximately £7)0 during March and -April, 10-11. as a result of the board's gesture, and your executive feels that this money saved on street lighting could be well applied by the local authorities in. painting pule-. kerl>s and other dangerous object". Furthermore, they are in a letter position to obtain men and materials for this work than is the boa rd."'