"STILL CRITICAL "

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1944, Page 6

"STILL CRITICAL "

N.Z. POWER POSITION ECONOMY WITHOUT HARDSHIP | (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. | ''The response has been good, and it is apparent that the majority of consumers generally are doing their best towards helping us to get through the critical period this winter," said the Minister of Works, Mr. Semple, in a statement issued to-day in regard to the electric power position. The Minister added that undoubtedly the publiicty given to the difficulties through which we were passing had been warranted and appreciated by the public. Many helpful letters had been received, but it would seem that at least some consumers were not aware of the organised steps already taken towards relieving the situation without inconvenience. For instance, the savings effected at peak periods by the extension of daylight saving over the winter months was equivalent to an output of a 15,000 k.w. machine. Reduced Street lighting The closing of all radio broadcasting stations for two hours daily had reduced peaks by as much as 12,000 k.w. The wattage of street lights had been reduced below pre-war standard by 20 per cent or more, although this had passed largely unnoticed, due to the complete prohibition on unessential and luxury display lighting tending to accentuate the present level of street lighting.'The use of radiators in all places of business, hotels, halls and places of amusement and Government offices, had been prohibited between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on week-days from April to September, inclusive. "In detail, there are numerous restrictions upon the use of electricity, but I am sure that, in the sum total, few people, if any, can claim that the required economies have resulted in any hardship," said the Minister. "From the national point of view the position is still critical. All plants will continue to run on overload for several months yet, but, if all consumers will co-operate as requested, and use appliances sparingly, so avoiding all wasteful use of electricity, further additional restrictions this winter should not be necessary."