DEEP CONCERN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 56, 7 March 1944, Page 6

DEEP CONCERN

SHORTAGE OF POWER

CONFERENCE IN AUCKLAND

Deep concern at the electrical power shortage in the Dominion is felt in Auckland, and the matter was discussed at a conference held at the Auckland Electric Power Board's board room this afternoon.

Mr. J. Park, chairman of the regional publicity committee, presided, and there were present representatives of the northern supply authorities, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Auckland Manufacturers' Association.

The delegates were welcomed by Mr. Park.

The chairman of the Auckland Electric Power Board, Mr. S. J. Harbutt, said at a meeting of the board yesterday that an Auckland statement published about the power crisis had been somewhat misleading. He added that the executive of the Power Boards and Supply Authorities' Association felt that the sending of men overseas to find out what plant was available was a waste of time, because the departmental engineers had definitely stated they would not allow any interference by outsiders. It had been reported 'in the Press that Mr. Semple had said that it would be possible for the Government to appoint an engineer to go abroad at a moment's notice, but first it would be necessary for the association to nominate an engineer of standing to serve as one of the delegates.

Mr. Harbutt said that "the boot was on the other foot." The association had agreed that, as soon as the Government was prepared to send a delegation overseas it would be time to appoint somebody to go abroad and assist.

Mr. Harbutt added that it was unfortunate a statement had been made tending to throw the onus on the association.