LIGHTING OF STREETS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20114, 27 November 1928, Page 11

LIGHTING OF STREETS.

CITY SYSTEM " OVERDONE."

COUNCIL SEEKS ASSISTANCE.

'REDUCED POWER PROPOSED

Criticism of the present system of street lighting in the city was voiced at a meeting of the Auckland Electric-Power Board yesterday, on receipt of a report from the general manager, Mr. R. 11. Barlley, stating he had been approached by the Works Committee of the City Council with a view to reducing the candle-power of lighting wherever possible in order to effect a saving in the annual cost, and to enable the installation of additional lights. Mr. Bartley said ho understood the position was that a number of new streets had been opened which required lighting, and there was no money available for the purpose. It was possiblo the board would be asked to reduce about 102 lamps from 400 to 250 candle-power. The lamps were situated in Great North lioad, Rernuera Road, Gillies Avenue, Jervois Road, College Hill and Victoria Street. A saving of approximately £219 6s would be effected on these, and this would enable the council to instal 22 new lamps of 100-watts capacity each. The scheme would mean a reduction in revenuo to the board without reduction in capital expenditure, but he did not consider the board would be justified in refusing to vary the contract.

The chairman, Mr. VV. J. Holdsworth, said the council, which had itself decided upon the original lighting scheme, evidently found it had been "overdone." The feeling between tho two bodies was such that the board was always willing to help the council.

Mr. E. H. Putter said he considered the tinio was opportune for a revision of street lighting, as a very largo tax was placed on the local body ratepayer. Charges for street lighting wero too high. It was pointed out some streets were over-lighted, and power was only going to waste. In many cases a very bad glare was created, and the roads could be made safer by reducing the power. "There is no doubt many street lights are trying to light the heavens instead of tho road," the chairman said. "However, Auckland is one of the best-lighted cities in the Southern Hemisphere,, and this has to be paid for."

Mr. Hartley said the Auckland Board was one of the few which were "holding their own" in street lighting. The system was an expensive one, and no money was being made. The position would probably be reviewed at the end of the year, and as soon as a reduction in expenses was shown, the board would take steps to reduce charges. Replying to a suggestion that Manukau Road was over lighted, and a bad glare was created, Mr. Bart ley said reduction in lighting on that rqad was also being considered. Mr. R. G. Clark said the whole city system had been badly conceived, and no fault rested with the board. It was decided to adopt the general manager's report, and to meet the City Council as far as possible.