THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1946. POWER SUPPLY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32710, 8 May 1946, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1946. POWER SUPPLY

One of the strangest aspects of the difficult electrical power situation is the difference of opinion of the electricity controller and the general manager of the Waitemata Electric Power Board. The former, Mr Kissel, does not believe the shortages will be any worse this winter than last. The latter, Mr Main, after a personal, on-the-spot, investigation of every North Island major generation unit, believes that very severe, arbitrary and dislocating restrictions will be necessary as soon as really cold weather comes. Mr Main’s warning was accompanied by a strong appeal for urgent economies in the belief that if the level of the lakes at Arapuni and Waikaremoana could be built up now the generating units would be able better, to meet the strain later when cold snaps accelerate the domestic demand. This warning is based upon a knowledge that all supply authorities since last year have put on heavier loadings, the increase in the area supplied by Mr Main’s board being 11 per cent. These increases are the c<bx of the whole supply problem. The continued drift from the South Island to the North, the rapid l expansion of industries, and the erection of new houses have all built up the demand at a time when opportunities of increasing generation have been limited. The question has to be asked if the time is not Overdue for a ban on new installations, for a realistic effort to prevent a complete breakdown by means of stricter control by supply authorities. In other words rationing of power would be less chaotic if there had been a firmer prior rationing of installations.