ADEQUATE TOWER SUPPLY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 71, 21 February 1939, Page 9

ADEQUATE TOWER SUPPLY.

CONFERENCE PROPOSED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 20. The possibility of a power shortage in the future, and the desirability of having the matter discussed in conference, were referred to b.v Mr E. W. Swain, secretary of the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association of New Zealand, in a letter discussed at a meeting of the Auckland Electric Power Board. The letter referred to the steps taken in tho South Island in the matter, and sug-

gested that the North Island boards should do something similar, us, in spite of the assurance of the Public Works Department to the contrary, Mi Swain thought the position in the North Island was likely to be most embarrassing to the authorities, if not this winter certainly in 1940. Mangahao was completely loaded. Mr Swain added, and the StratferdPalmerston North line carried 33,000 to 35,000 kilowatts, whereas it was designed for 20,000 kilowatts. Arapuni was taking the whole of the Waikato with nothing going over the spillway. “While what Mr Swain says is quite correct there is no need for alarm,” said Mx R. H. Bartley, general manager to the board. “No doubt as far ns Arapuni is concerned the lake at Taupo is very high. The generators at present arc using practically the whole of the water. That is because we are exporting so much to the south. Furthermore, we have an ample reserve in the King’s Wharf plant. There is also water enough at Arapuni for another unit.” It was also mentioned that preliminary surveys were being conducted lor another plant near Cambridge. Mr Bartley said that while the position was not so acute, much could he gained by a conference, and it was decided to' inform Air Swain that the board agreed that a conference would he advisable.