PREPARATIONS FOR BLACK-OUT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 120, 14 February 1941, Page 10

PREPARATIONS FOR BLACK-OUT

Wanganui Power Board

Dominion Special Service. WANGANUI. February 13. In case of an emergency, preparations have been made for an instantaneous black-out in Wanganui. At today's meeting of the Wanganui-Rangirikei Electric Power Board the engineer. Mr. H. Webb, reported that all street lighting in the Wanganui area, with the exception of Castlecliff, could be cut off at a moment’s notice. Castlecliff lighting was controlled by a time switch in Castlecliff, and if a black-out were required it would be necessary to send a man there to cut out that section. The greater part of the street lighting xvao controlled over the pilot wire used for water-heating control, and if this wire were extended to Castlecliff water-heat-ers these could be controlled as well as the street lights. The cost of extending tlte pilot wire in Castlecliff would be £125.

The board agreed that, the work should be done immediately. "We should cooperate with the authorities in every way. possible." said the chairman. Mr. F. Purnell. "The situation might require immediate action at any time, and preparedness is essential.”