SCHEME TO SAVE DAYLIGHT

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 13

SCHEME TO SAVE DAYLIGHT

Daily Adjustment Of Clocks LARKMAN IDEA TO BE INVESTIGATED “The Press’ Special Service WELLINGTON, July 5. A scheme for 7 o'clock sunrise daylight saving is being considered by the Government. Sponsored by Mr A. H. Larkman, of Auckland, the scheme proposes that all clocks should be advanced by one minute a day from the end of June to the end of December and retarded by one minute a day from then until the end of June, thus stabilising sunrise at 7 a.m. all the year round.

The “Larkman Scheme,” as it is known, was originated by Mr Larkman in 1941. When the scheme was first put before the Government in 1947, one of the main advantages claimed was the saving in electricity which would result. The scheme was then examined by various Government departments, but as a result of their recommendation the Government decided to take no action.

Within the next month Mr Larkman will come to Wellington to discuss his proposal personally with representatives of 12 Government departments.

The meeting has been arranged by the Minister of Internal Affairs. Mr S. W Smith who said he had decided to give Mr Larkman this opportunity of showing whether his scheme would

remain feasible in the light of the objections which had been raised.

Mr Larkman’s scheme would involve an individual adjustment to all clocks, watches and mechanical timekeepers. Every person with a watch or clock would need to have it regulated twice a year so that it would either gain or lose one minute a day. An alternative would be to adjust timepieces daily.