HIGH TENSION TERRORS

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1926, Page 4

HIGH TENSION TERRORS

A rose without a thorn is unfortunately impossible, but people who deliberately try to make the poison of the. thorn outweigh the sweetness of the rose are deserving of the . utmost punishment. Just now an incalculable boon is being distributed among the people of New Zealand in the shape of electric power. The distribution of that boon is made possible by a net work of high tension wires* which, safely anchored in their proper place, are as harmless as they are useful. Removed from their place of safety, however, these wires become fiends who spread death to man or beast who comes within reach of them. Oases of electrocution in various parts of the country have been frequent, but .in practically every case pure misfortune has been the contributing cause. To- | day, however, we are told that a transmission wire conveying current ! from Mangahao to Wellington was cut by a rifle bullet. As a consequence all the conditions necessary for serious danger to life And property over a . wide area were set at liberty. This is but one more instance of the dangers which the transmission of electric power has made possible. If a wire comes in contact with a fence electri:., cal;•■■ijsenergy.- will trave* 'along the fence and persons or stock'at , a. great distance from the damaged section • may be fatally injureil ..The public can co-operate to a great extent with the Public Works Department in minimising risks. It is to their owl? (advantage that they should do so.