A SERIOUS POSITION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10966, 30 July 1921, Page 7

A SERIOUS POSITION

THE CITY POWER STATION GRAVE DANGER OF THE PLANT BREAKING DOWN. “SOMETHING .MUST BE DONE.” “The manager of the tramways and electric lighting department is very uneasy about the present power supply,” stated the Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.), yesterday. “The demand for electric lighting connections is increasing continually, and the department is right up against it also in regard to power for the trams and for the wants of the various industries. The corporation officers have grave fears that at any time, owing to the strain upon the plant, there may be a breakdown.

“The general manager reported to the finance committee that he thought we should get some of the new machinery intended for the Evans Bay power-house immediately, and install it at the Harris street station, in order to enable us to save time and improve our power and lighting supply. That proposition was discussed by the finance committee, and was favourably received by a section of the members. The city solicitor, however, reported that the council could not legally spend any of the loan moneys on the Harris street station. The proposal, he stated, was for the Evans Bay scheme, and on that alone could we expend the money. “At the meeting of the council this afternoon the question was raised by one or two councillors as to whether the tramways committee should not be given authority to reconsider the strengthening of the Harris street plant, and I agreed to this. It is obvious that something must be done pretty soon, otherwise the whole system may be In difficulties. “The departmental officers are very anxious about the matter, and have told the council plainly that they cannot continue to take fie responsibility unless something is done immediately. So if we can find the means of financing it, I have no doubt we shall he able to effect an improvement.”