SHARP AUCKLAND CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 March 1947, Page 6

SHARP AUCKLAND CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, March 17. Sharp criticism of the Government -for allowing the present power crisis to develop "was expressed by several members of the Auckland Electric Power Board when it met to-day. I Steps necessary to bring about a I general saving in electricity consumption were discussed in committee, the statement being made I later that the Auckland Transport i Board was to be asked to reduce the i power it used by 10 per cent., and ! that a number of recommendations would be sent to the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association.

The recommendations will be considered at an emergency meeting of the asociation’s executive tomorrow morning, and if approved will be submitted to the Minister of Works (Mr Semple) for inclusion in a control order aplying to all consumers in the North Island. The recommendations are as follows: — Total Prohibition

Total prohibition of all forms of electrical heating, shop window lighting, under veranda lighting (including that at entrances to picture theatres), flood lighting (including that at playing areas both indoor and outdoor), and the extinguishing of street lighting at 11 p.m. An assurance that representations would be made to the Government requesting that a statement be issued to the public acquainting the people with the seriousness of the power position was given by local members of Parliament, who met representatives of the Manufacturers’ Association in the office of the Mayor, Mr J. A. C. Allum. The meeting was called to discuss the present power supply, and so that members of the association might make a request to members of Parliament. Recommendations Useless

In opening the meeting the Mayor said recriminations were useless. The public was entitled to know the true position, and when relief was likely. They were also entitled to know what each section of the community was to ■do to conserve electricity, and he considered there should be no further unannounced cutting of power, as was experienced on Saturday night. If power was to be cut he was sure all sections would co-operate, but the Government should take the public into its confidence, and issue a statement on the exact position. Mr W. T. Anderton, M.P., said the shortage of power was due to lack of rain, and the Government asked for the full co-operation of all the people. The problem would only be relieved when rain fell. Members of the meeting concurred with the Mayor that what was wanted were restrictions which would impose the least inconvenience with the best results. The public generally did not appreciate that a major crisis was imminent, but they should be fully informed.