POWER CRISIS NEARER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20668, 13 September 1930, Page 10

POWER CRISIS NEARER.

NO RAIN AT LAKE COLERIDGE.

PARTIAL CLOSING OF SHOPS.

[ny TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHUKCH, Friday.

Although heavy south-west rain fell in Christchurch to-day, the weather was fine, with the sky overcast, at Lake Coleridge. The lake level fell one inch during the last 24 hours.

It is now improbable that the northwest wind, which is the only wind that brings rain in the mountains, will come for four or five days. Conditions looked favourable for a north-wester yesterday, but now that a southerly storm has developed there is no likelihood of a northwest wind for some days. The crisis is now definitely nearer. The Public Works Department's engineer has not stated the minimum !cvel to which the lake may be allowed to fall, but lias ind'eated that there is such a limit. When that is reached, only so much water as daily enters the lake will be allowed to pass through the turbines, and the generation will bo from 4000 to 7500 kw. This will involve the strict rationing of power to the distributing authorities. In the meantime the use of stand-by plants with economies has reduced the load on Lake Coleridge. The shops in the city were closed this evening from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and opened from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m with restricted lighting. Some shopkeepers even used candles and lamps for window and verandah displays.

DAYLIGHT SAVING PROPOSED.

INQUIRY BY GOVERNMENT.

[3V TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Friday.

The suggestion that the Government should take into immediate consideration a proposal to institute daylight saving in Canterbury to meet the situation caused by the shortage of power in the Lake Coleridge distribution area was brought under the notice of the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, by Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Labour —Avon) in an urgent question in the House of Representatives to-day.

Mr. Ransom said he fully recognised the seriousness of the position and the suggestion would be taken into consideration. He would have the whole question looked into at the week end, and give a considered reply on Tuesday as to what steps would be taken.