ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 February 1939, Page 5

ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY

NORTH ISLAND RESOURCES

[per press association.]

AUOKL A N D. Fe bru a r y

The possibility of a power sliorlage in the future and the desirability of having it discussed in conference were referred to by Mr E. M . Swain, secretary of the Electric Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities Association of New Zealand, in a lettei discussed at a meeting oi' the Auckland Electric Power Board. The letter referred to steps taken in the South Island and suggested that the North Island' boards should do something similar because, in spite of an assurance bv the Public Works Department, to the contrary. Mr Swain thought the position in the North Island was likely to be most embarrassing to authorities —if not this Winter, cettainly in 1940. Mangahao was completely loaded, he added, ami the Strnrford-Palmers-ton North line carried from 33.000 to 35.000 kilowatts, though il was designed for 20.000 kilowatts. A rapuni was taking the whole of Hie Waikato River with nothing going over the spillway. ■’Whil" wiml Air Swain say- is quite correcl. there is no need for alarm.” Said Mr It. 11. Bartley, general mauagci of Hie Board. "There is no doubt that as far as Arapuni is concerned the lake at Taupo is very high. The generators al present are using practically the whole ol the water. Thai is because we are exporting so much to the south. Furthermore. we have an ample reserve in thr- King's Wharf plant. There is also water enough at Arapuni for another unit." It was also mentioned that preliminary surveys were being conducted' for another plant near Cambridge. Air Bartley said that though the position was not very acute, much could lie gained by a conference, and it was decided to inform Mr Swain that the Board agreed that :> ronicrenco would bo advisable.