NO STREET LIGHTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 14

NO STREET LIGHTS

SHORTAGE OF POWER GREYMOUTH PREDICAMENT WATER IN RIVER RUNS LOW [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN* CORRESPONDENT] GREYMOUTH, Friday Added to the soaring demand for power in the Grey Power Board's district and the delay in heightening tho dam at tho Arnold River generating plant, a spell of fine frosty weather lias had its efFeot upon the river and the level of tho water is now exceptionally low, possibly as low as the river has ever been. Curfew conditions ruled in Greymouth last night so far as street lights were concerned. As an economy measure it was decided not to turn on the street lights. The domestic and business supply was not effected. From seven o'clock yesterday morning the system required all the water in the river and the heavy load throughout the day started to draw on the water stored behind the dam. Early in the afternoon it was found necessary to call upon several dredges to cease work in order to allow the water to accumulate. At one stage the water was lift. Gin. below the crest of the dam, but to-day it had been restored to over a foot above the crest. The borough pumping station reverted to gas last night. All possible economy measures had to be taken owing to the late shopping night to-night, when normal supplies were only just fulfilled.