HEATING BUSINESS PREMISES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18412, 30 May 1923, Page 8

HEATING BUSINESS PREMISES.

The Power Board cannot expect, [the public to suffer patiently the I infliction of its prohibition against the use of radiators in business premises. The explanation that these restrictions are necessary because the board's plant cannot supply the demand is no consolation for ; the hardships that will be imposed on staffs employed in buildings where no alternative method of heating can be provided. Similar restrictions were enforced last winter, but in- ■ stead of taking measures to avoid J their repetition this year, the board i frankly admits that it has again j allowed new customers to absorb all the available power. It may be argued that in face of the insistent demand for power, it has not been able to make the necessary reservation for the special winter require.ments. That view disregards the board's responsibility to keep faith j with its old customers. Until recently, there has never been any suggestion that power would not be i supplied for radiators. The electricity department has watched the j erection of buildings with no other | heating equipment than electrical, 1 has passed the installations, and j has, tacitly at least, undertaken to j supply power when required. Now I the board declares that it cannot ! fulfil this implied contract because jit has undertaken new responsibilities. It will find that in its anxiety !to appease the impatience of new j applicants for supply, it has aroused i bitter resentment among those who I had a greater claim upon its consideration.