ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES AND REHABILITATION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1944, Page 4

ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES AND REHABILITATION

TF he can get sufficient labour, and if the plant arrives in time, the Chief Engineer and Electricity Controller, Mr. Kissel, says that Karapiro will be supplying power by 1946. Much virtue in an "if," but neither of these two is likely of fulfilment, and 1946 is likely to see an aggravation of the present situation, under which power boards are not only unable to cope with the demands of new consumers, but are compelled to adopt rationing expedients to present users. Power and lighting demands are increasing at a rapid rate; they will grow still faster as the rehabilitation of our soldiers progresses. There will be no current available for such of them as may want it, and have earned a right to it, for farm, factory or home. And the Hon. R. Semple is content with a few "ifs"! Mr. Kissel is opposed to coal-driven plants. He may be right, but the point is that the immediate demand will not, and cannot, be overtaken by his plans and proposals. The power boards believe that at least a part of the gap could be filled in by the purchase, overseas, of a coal-burning plant. They suggest that officials be sent overseas to see on the spot what can be done. The suggestion has already been rejected, but the position grows daily more acute, and if the Hon. R. Semple has no better alternative to offer than his announced plans he should reconsider his position. The request of the members of the Power Conference yesterday that he should come to Auckland to talk things over is a fair and reasonable one. Mr. Semple should prove his earnestness by promptly acceding to it.