IMPORT DIFFICULTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23603, 12 March 1940, Page 8

IMPORT DIFFICULTY

ELECTRIC-POWER CABLE [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] PALMERSTON NORTH, Monday Unless those in charge of the issuing of import licences realised the urgent need for copper cable in New Zealand, and especially in the North Island, there would be an acute shortage of electric power in the near it was stated at a meeting of the Mana-watu-Oroua Power Board to-day. It was alleged that those dealing with the permits had no practical knowledge of the requirements of the industry. As a result of the delays power boards were faced with an increased price for copper, one board_reccntly suffering to the extent of £ISOO. Concerning the need for copper cable for transmission lines it was stated that the area most likely to suffer was the lower half of the North Island, as Waikato power could not be brought down there. A line was under construction through Taihape and the only other contact with Arapiini was bv way of the long line through Stratford that was always more or less overloaded. The Manawatu-Oroua and Hutt Valley areas could use every unit that the Mangahao plant could produce. The board decided that the Power Boards' Association executive should be asked to meet immediately and come to an understanding with the Ministers of the departments concerned.