RESTRICTIONS ON POWER

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27037, 12 May 1953, Page 10

RESTRICTIONS ON POWER

NO EASING BY M.E.D. TIMARU ACTION CRITICISED The difficulty of the M.E.D. in conturning to impose restrictions to bring Its consumption of power within allocation when other supply authorities in the South Island were lifting restrictions was emphasised at last evening’s meeting of the City Council Reporting that the M.E.D. consumption last week was 3.2 per cent, above allocation, Cr. G. Manning (chairman of the electricity committee) said that the water storage position was “very encouraging indeed.” “Here we have been trying to keen within our allocation,” said Cr. J r Hay. "What concerns me is the inevitability of cuts and control, while other people are not complying with tneir allocations. I propose that the State Hydro-electric Department should show the monthly allocations and how they are being kept. We are entitled to that.” Cr. Manning said the committee decided at its last meeting to write to the department suggesting that as Timaru nad lifted its restrictions the M.E.D. should also have the right to lift Its restrictions. Naturally the department replied tint “we are not out of the wood," and could not increase the allocation ® “How about Timaru?” asked Cr C D. W. L. Sheppard. ’ " Cr. Manning: We put the very quej. tion direct to the general manager—to let us know what the other ones were doing. But the department feels it is hardlf 1 worth while bringing pressure on the other local bodies. It is difficult for us to keep restrictions on in Christchurch when Timaru lifts restrictions; “Keep at the department,” advised the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlan* M.P.). ' Cr. Manning: Yes, sir. , _