Hardships Caused By Cuts

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1947, Page 6

Hardships Caused By Cuts

The inconvenience caused by the present periods of electricity disconnections was mentioned in letters received by the board. It was difficult to adjust the timer, of the cuts to suit everybody, said the chairman (Mr J. N. McCarroll ) ■ In these dim, dark ages, when people had to even make their own candles, the problem was getting to such a stage that it was evolving into a question of supplying electricity lor industry and meals only, said Mr R. G. Murdoch. Although the board was struggling to avoid it, people would have to use their coppers more often to heal water. “There are a lot of people without coppers,” remarked a member.

There were plenty of kerosene tins and other vessels, replied the chairman.

It was decided to refer the complaints to the engineer (Mr T. R. Overton) for investigation. Because they were suffering a 25 per cent, curtailment in working hours. United Machinists, Ltd., Dargaville, requested a reduction in the disconnection periods between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. While paying wages for an eighthour working day, the firm was only able to work six hours a day, stated the Waikiekie Lime Company, which requested permission to operate between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and during the evening milking period. The Whangarei Cooperative Dairy Company requested the board to extend the period before the evening cut-off, as it considered that some of its largest suppliers were still milking when the existing cuts were made. This matter had been discussed with the company, said the chairman (Mr J. N. McCarroll) and an agreement had been reached. ;