WAITING FOR RAIN

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 13 September 1930, Page 5

WAITING FOR RAIN

CANTERBURY POWER SHORTAGE

CRISIS NEAR AT HAND,

(By Telegraph —Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 12

Although heavy' south-west rain fell at Christchurch to-day", the weather was overcast but fine at Lake Coleridge. The lake level fell one inch during ttic last 24 hours. It is now improCable that a north-west wind, which is the only wind bringing rain in the mountains, will come for four or five days. Conditions looked favourable to a north-wester yesterday, but now that a southerly storm has developed there is no likelihood of a north-wester for some days.

'.Lire crisis is now definitely nearer. The T’uulic Works Department engineer has not stated the minimum level to winch tlic lake may be allowed to fall, our has indicated that there is such a limit. When that is reached only so much water as daily enters the lake will be allowed to pass through the turbines and the generation wifi be from •4000 to 7500 kilowatts. This will involve strict rationing of power to the distributing authorities. in the meantime the use of stand-by plants with economies has reduced the load on Lake Coleridge. Shops in the city closed to-night from 5.30 to 7, opening from 7 to 9 with restricted lighting, some even using candles and lamps tor window and verandah displays.