POWER OFF IN CHRISTCHURCH YESTERDAY

Grey River Argus, 27 September 1949, Page 4

POWER OFF IN CHRISTCHURCH YESTERDAY

Explosion In Main Snb-Staiion WIDESPREAD HOLD-UP P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 26. There was an electrical failure in the main sub-station of the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Department in Armagh Street about 1.45 p.m. to-day. It caused widespread power failures over most parts of Christchurch. ' The power, however, was resumed in llm city on;.’ noir la-.-’j. Many suburbs were without power for several hours. The breakdown has meant that less power can be passed through the substation, which serves most of the city north of the main south railway line. This evening there were blackouts in several districts as the load at the sub station became too great. An appeal has been issued to all of the consumers to conserve power during the peak loading periods until further notice. A MYSTERY The engineers of the City Municipal Department did not know what caused Ute breakdown, which was accompanied by an explosion in the substation. During the afternoon and the evening they were fully absorbed in seeing that the demand did not exceed the supply. It is hoped, however, that power economies will not be necessary after to-morrow. If any cut-offs are necessary they will be spread equitably over the whole area. There was an installation of private auxiliary plants during power shortages 18 months ago. These to-day enabled operations in many premises to continue normally, but in some cases industry was brought to a standstill when the breakdown occurred. TRANSPORT CHANGE-OVER The communications and transport services depending on electricity were interrupted for only a few minutes, during a change-over to the auxiliary supply. The domestic supply in many suburbs was not restored in time for the preparation of the evening meal to begin on schedule. In other suburbs families sat in darkness during part of the evening as the power was shut off. Shoppers were inconvenienced by an absence of light in some stores, and lifts not operating. Picture theatre patrons in the afternoon waited about an hour for matinee programmes to begin, a number going home after receiving refunds. INDUSTRIAL LOSS

A biscuit factory was one of the chief losers from the power failure, the electric ovens having been nearly full when the breakdown occurred, and batches of biscuits, amounting to mdny hundredweights, were ruined. An electro-plating firm had two big baths filled with- articles, including a large batch of toasters, teapots and similar utensils. These will have to be cleaned and polished again, and the plating process done again completely. In some factories depending on electricity, the staffs were sent home, but others waited about "until the supply was restored. In many cases alternative work could not be found for the whole staff during the failure.

Power was off at Christchurch Hospital for more than an hour, but there were no serious consequences. Treatment of patients in departments using electrical equipment was delayed, and a stopping of lifts slowed the movement of patients.

Th e broadcasting stations switched over to stand-by plants within a few minutes, and they resumed transmission.

The Post and Telegraph Department services had a similar short interruption. The Christchurch Tramway Board trams and trolley-buses stopped during th e change-over to the supply from the Board's own power plant.

The railway services were not affected.

Pumping stations of the Christchurch Drainage Board gave danger signals when the power supply stopped, but there was no likelihood of sewage rising to the surface. The Board was informed of the break, and was told that power would be restored as soon as possible. Most of the pumping stations were again operating shortly after 2.30.