THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “ Public Service.” FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1942. TO SAVE ELECTRICITY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3139, 10 July 1942, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “ Public Service.” FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1942. TO SAVE ELECTRICITY

A suggestion brought forward by Mr C. C. Webb of Paeroa, which surely must have had a beneficial effect in conserving electricity if adopted, received no support and indeed scant consideration at the monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. The proposal put forward by Mr Webb suggested that an appeal be made to all householders using electric stoves to cook their main meal at midday instead of in the evening as the saving effected would probably z do away with the present restrictions on radiators. At present it seems there is a large demand for power between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. due no doubt to the fact that on top of the normal demand milking sheds commence operation, housewives switch on their stoves to prepare the evening meal, while in this cold weather shops, offices and factories turn on radiators for the comfort of their staffs and customers. Every user of electricity is well aware that a stove with say three hot points and both the top and bottom oven elements on consumes considerable electricity and if this consumption took place in the morning when neither milking plants or radiators are in use there should be no need for’ the present restrictions. It is disappointing to all who are forced to work in cold offices, shops and factories in the late afternoon to hear that a proposal which possibly would have eased the situation received so scant consideration. Surely this scheme would be very simple to put into operation in the towns at least, in the Thames Valley Electric Power Board’s area and .if adopted New Zealand-wide would be of national benefit. HOME GUARDSMEN When asked, in the south, What steps could be taken with men who refused to obey orders to parade with the Home Guard, Mr Semple is reported to have said: “Men ordered to parade for Home Guard .service were soldiers in the real sense of the word and were subject to the same form of discipline as’ soldiers.” The statement should be of practical assistance not only in defining the duties of those in the Home Guard, but also the responsibilities of the Government in the matter. If the position is as the Minister of National Service has stated, then there should be no question as to State liability regarding compensation for these men, or their dependants, in the event of death or injury sustained when going to and from parade. The Prime Minister had said that “there was no legal liability under the present law” with regard to these men, but if they are soldiers “in the real sense of the word,” subject to military discipline and punishment for military offences, then it seems logical to conclude that they and their dependants are also covered by the same provisions with regard to death or injury. The Minister’s declaration will give the R.S.A. executive the opportunity to have any possible misconception on this important point removed.