POWER SUPPLY IN RICCARTON

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23351, 10 June 1941, Page 6

POWER SUPPLY IN RICCARTON

— “CAUSE FOR ANXIETY, BUT NOT ALARM” Some concern about the. effect of a breakdown of the supply plant op Riccarton’s electricity supply j was _ expressed in a report of the electricity committee to the Riccarton Borough Council last night. Notwithstanding the war, the demand for electricity supply was still- maintained, said the report, mainly because of the State Housing Department’s activity in building 300 electrically equipped houses. An overload on portions of the council’s plant was beginning to show itself and because of the shortage of imported' electrical equipment this overload was the cause of much anxiety to the electricity committee. At present, said the report, it appeared that by improvisation the council would be able to carry the midwinter load, successfully, provided no part of the plant bfoke down under the overload. If the council was unfortunate enough to have a serious breakdown it was quite possible that serious inconvenience would be caused to the council’s consumers as the load increase was now well in advance of the delivery of new plant from overseas, and no; replacement equipment was available in New Zealand. Cr. H. P, Smith, chairman of the committee, said that the position was no one’s fault—except Hitler’s—and there was no occasion for the public to be alarmed. But it was the council’s duty to acquaint the public of the facts, which were causing the committee anxiety although not alarm. The Mayor (Mr H. s. S, Kyle. M.P.) said that it would be as well for the public to know that the recent leavingon of the lights in Riccarton road was not , due to anyone’s oversight, but was done for Inspection purposes.