Drastic Cat In Electric Power Ration

Northern Advocate, 14 April 1944, Page 4

Drastic Cat In Electric Power Ration

Drastic action will be taken if supply authorities do not keep within their allocation, the North Auckland Electric-power Board was informed on Thursday by the electricity controller, when advising that the board's increase for the present year in weekly unit consumption over the corresponding weeks in the previous year had been fixed at 2 per cent as from April 9, 1944. The controller pointed out the difficult positioin in regard to plant, coal stocks, and hydraulic conditions, and stated that broadcasting appeals would be made to consumers of the need to reduce consumption. In Consumers’ Hands

In his report the engineer (Mr T. R. Overton) stated he was unable to advise how the figure of 2 per cent had been arrived at, but said a reduction from 3;V per cent last year to 2 per cent this year had actually been made as from April 9. x Mr J. H. McCarroll: How are we going to keep within our allocation? The chairman i(Mr J. N. McCarroll) said it was obvious that ra-

tioning would take place this am! next winter and he hoped it would he voluntary.

I-Ie thought much could be done if all consumers exercised care to see power • and light were promptly switched off when not required. Mr J. A. S. McKay considered the minimum charge should be abolished as consumers objected to pay for what they had not used.

Mr A. Clarke urged hat an appeal should be made to consumers through the Press. Mr W. Collins said reduction could be made, and he had reduced his supply by 12J- per cent. On his motion it was decided to issue a dodger to consumers in addition to Press notices.

It was decided to bring the matter of a minimum charge before the board’s executive for consideration.

Settlers Seek Supply

The increasing demand for electricity was shown when five applications for power supply were received. Mr. Gordon Petley and two others on the KirikopuniKaikche road requested power as far as the viaduct, and from the junction along Sommerville’s road. Twenty settlers were in the area. Mr. A. Tetzncr and throe others of Marerotu, staled that other settlers in that area were anxious to receive a supply. Mr. R. M. Green and Mrs. L. C. Fischer, of Okahu, who stated they were faced with the necessity of renewing their milking machine engines. Other applications were from Mr. G. Ward and others of Helena Bay. and T. and B. J. Morcssev and J. Nash, of Tangiteroria. Mr. J. A. S. Macka.y said that requests for power from Whananaki settlers had been under consideration for two years, yet nothing had been done. This was an area which was certain to provide the 15 per cent, return guaranteed. If the hoard’s own men were unable to canvass the district then outside assistance should be obtained. All applications wore referred to the engineer for report.