POWER CUTS MAY NOT BE NEEDED ON WEST COAST

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 February 1948, Page 4

POWER CUTS MAY NOT BE NEEDED ON WEST COAST

Though no final decision could be given until the end of March, it was not expected that the power restrictions imposed on the West Coast last winter would be necessary again this winter. Information to this effect was received by ~the Gireymouth Chamber of Commerce last evening from the Grey Electric Power Board. The chamber had suggested last month that.it establish a committee to co-operate with the Power Board engineer when restrictions became necessary. “The power position next winter will not become serious enough to warrant the restrictions enforced last year,” stated the letter. “The end of next month, however, will give a better idea of whether some restrictions will be necessary or not. In the meantime, there is no need for the formation of an emergency committee.”

The Associated Chambers of Commerce, writing concerning the Government’s credit control policy (the subject of considerable adverse comment at the last meeting of the chamber) advised that the executive had discussed the matter, but no decision had been reached. A remit was being prepared, however, for presentation to the annual conference.

A report on low-pressure carbonisation of coal was referred to a subcommittee, comprising Messrs J. W. Greenslade, G. F. Shallcrass and the president, Mr R. J. Truman, to decide whether the subject was worth pursuing. In response to inquiries concerning the fencing of farming properties, Federated Farmers advised that no fencing wire was available in the Dominion, and that it was in short supply throughout the ‘world. Inquiries were being made in Australia, but it was considered that the outlook for some considerable time was not bright. ___________________________