SHORTAGE OF POWER

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29853, 20 June 1962, Page 16

SHORTAGE OF POWER

Mr Watt’s Warning (NZ. Press Association) WELLINGTON. June 19. The North Island faced an electricity shortage in the near future because of the “steady-does-it” policy of the Government, Mr H. Watt (Opposition, Onehunga) said when the Address-in-Reply debate was resumed in the House of Representatives today. He charged the Government with slowing down the development of /the country with its policy and with the lack of dynamic leadership and concern for the future development of New Zealand. "On the one hand they apply the ‘steady-does-it* policy to industry and development but when it comes to collecting taxation, directly or indirectly, through increasing electricity charges, postal Charges and rents they took it in eng way or the other.” Mr Watt said. The Government had closed down work on a peak load station at Maraetai and the men employed there had to seek work in other places The North Island would be short of power for two years because of the “steady-does-it” policy. There were also fewer men employed on irrigation in the South Island and on soil conservation and river control Major road works throughout the country were up to a year behind schedule in spite of statements by the Minister of Works that there was no "squeeze” on the National Roads Board.

Employment in aerodrome construction and electricity work had increased, not declined, said Mr G F Sim (Government. Waikato) In 1960. 82 men had been engaged in airport construction This had increased to 215 in 1961 and 275 this year Electricity department employees had increased in number from 2918 in 1960 to 3054 this year.