SHARP CRITICISM OF CONTROLLER’S MESSAGE

Evening Star, Issue 26137, 26 June 1947, Page 6

SHARP CRITICISM OF CONTROLLER’S MESSAGE

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 25. “ Provided the 20 per cent, cut is fully realised by all supply authorities, it is estimated that this will be sufficient to stabilise the position until the end of September,” said the Electricity Controller, Mr F. T. M. Kissel, in a telegram to the mayor, Mr E. H. Andrews. to-day. “ The change in allocation was based on an improvement in actual river ilow over the conditions ruling at the end of May,” Mr Kissel said. “ The 30 per cent, cut was based on the expectation that hydraulic conditions would parallel those in 1930, but this now seems unlikely. Your efforts to .secure a reduced load are greatly appreciated. The utmost necessity for the full attainment of the 20 per cent, cut must be stressed.” “ W eak, very weak,” was the comment of the mayor when he read tho telegram shortly before 4 p.m. on behalf of the combined emergence electricity committee of the City Council and the advisory committee representing the manufacturing, commercial, and retailing interests. Mr Andrews had signed a telegram to Mr Kissel asking him to allay the alarm of the public aud permit, planning by ensuring that the 10 per cent, reduction in the cut should be maintained or bettered. It was also decided to ask Mr Kissel if he would give the information on which he based his statement that the hydraulic position had improved. The resolution stated that it was common knowledge that only a fractional improvement at Lake Coleridge and V7aitaki had occurred during last week. “ I will leave it to the public to draw their own conclusions.” said the Mayor when he was asked to make further comment on Mr Kissel’s statement.