HARBOUR BOARD PLANT

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25206, 10 June 1947, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD PLANT

economy in use of ELECTRICITY No actual cuts in the use of electric power have been enforced on the Lyttelton Harbour Board, but the board has been asked to reduce consumption as much as possible. This information was given at a meeting Lyttelton Borough Council last evening. Councillors said that they had been, subject to criticism while working on the waterfront, and had been asked why the 'council did not enforce economy in the use of electric power on the wharves. Electric cranes had been used, it was claimed by some, when ships’ own gear was available. Cr. R. E. Cairns, who is a member of the Harbour Board, said that manv people did not know that the council had nothing whatever to do with the supply of electfic power used on the wharves. It was supplied and controlled by the Harbour Board. The waterfront was an Industry, and it w.as just as important to keep that industry going as any other. In reply to a question, the electrical overseer (Mr A. Large) said he had. ascertained that no cuts had been imposed on the board, but that it had been requested to economise as much as possible.

Reply by Secretary These matters were referred to the secretary of the board (Mr A. L. Burk) by “The Press” last evening. Mr Burk said that no formal notice of any percentage cuts had been served on the board, and it was not until yesterday that a request had been made that the board should economise in the consumption of power. The whole question would be reviewed to-day, when steps would be taken to reduce the use of power wherever possible. The co-operation of shipping companies would be sought, and the question of the use of ships’ gear In place of electric cranes, where possible, would be discussed. A further statement would be issued to-day. It must be realised, said Mr Burk, that certain of the board’s plant and facilities must be kept In operation, such as the cool stores and lights on the wharves where men were working and railway shunting operations were being carried out, but the "board would make every endeavour to conserve as much power as possible.