Electric Power Shortage Predicted

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1939, Page 7

Electric Power Shortage Predicted

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”l AUCKLAND. This Day.

The possibility of a power shortage in the future was discussed by the Auckland Power Board yesterday. The desirability of having the matter discussed in a conference was referred to Mr E. W. Swain, secretary of the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association of New Zealand in a letter.

The letter referred to the steps taken in the South Island in the matter, and suggested that North Island boards should do something similar, as, in spite of the assurance of the Public Works Department to the contrary. Mr Swain thought the position in the North Island was likely to be most embarrassing to authorities, if hot this winter, certainly in 1940.

Mangahao was completely loaded, he added, and the Stratford-Palmerston North line carried 33.000 to 35,000 kilo - watts when 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 Mr R. H. Bartley, general manager of the board.'

“No doubt as far as Arapuni is concerned the lake at Taupo is very hfgh. The generators at present are using practically the whole oZ the water. That is because we are exporting go much to the south.

“Furthermore, we have 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 for another plant near Cambridge.