POWER SUPPLY OF DOMINION

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23446, 29 September 1941, Page 3

POWER SUPPLY OF DOMINION

SHORTAGE IN SOUTH UNLIKELY CONTROLLER’S ESTIMATE (P.A.) WELLINGTON September 26. Addressing the Dominion Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association’s conference, the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) said that whatever other developments might remain in abeyance, electrical development must be pushed on to the limit made possible by the delivery of material and plant, as a vital national work. The Minister said the department was doing everything possible. Everything depended upon the arrival of plant and upon the co-operation of every power user in cutting out extravagant use. He said that the present installed capacity in the North Island was 253,600 horse-power, and the capacity actually under construction 229,000 horse-power. In the South Island, the installed capacity was 138,000 and that under construction 78,900 horse-power. Replying to inquiries from the Waitaki Power Board, Mr F. T. M. Kissel (electricity controller) said that the likelihood of a power shortage in the South Island next winter was remote, and the hoped for completion of the Highbank station by the following winter would safeguard the position for some considerable period. Delegates discussed broadcasting, the majority holding the opinion that hours should be reduced as one way of conserving power. Mr Monk, of Horowhenua, said that except for vital news broadcasting was not necessary. Negotiations for the amalgamation of the Municipal Electric Supply Association with the Electric Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association were completed to-day and endorsed by the conference of the latter body. The executive includes five representatives from the municipal association and six from the power boards. , _ . Mr J. A. Nash (Manawatu-Oroua) was re-elected president and the following executive was elected: Messrs T C. A. Hislop (Wellington), S. J. Harbutt (Auckland), D. C. Cameron (Dunedin), E. Hitchcock (Christchurch), G. A. Monk /Horowhenua), G. Tremaine (Palmerston North), b. Blackley (Hutt Valley), J. T. Johnston (TeAwamutu), S. J. Satterthwaite (Timaru), W. G. Rudd (Marlborough), J. B. Kent (Greymouth), and representatives of the engineers’ and secretaries’ associations.