RESTRICTIONS ON WAIPORI SUPPLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20704, 30 April 1929, Page 9

RESTRICTIONS ON WAIPORI SUPPLY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—-You affirm in your leader to-day that “it is apparent that the negotiations , concerning Waipori do not constitute an issue on which the electors may base their votes on Wednesday next.” On the advisability, or otherwise, of the sale of Waipori, I will admit that few of the ratepayers are competent ■to form a opinion, as there are financial and technical considerations of some complexity to be considered before a decision can be reached; but another and far more urgent matter connected with Waipori remains, and this is capable of criticism by any one of the community who depends on Waipori for public services, and, in so many cases, for daily bread. _ I refer to the present shortage of power In the city. One of your correspondents recently stated that he was “ turned down flat ” on applying for electric power; and, though it may be news to many people, it is an absolute fact that all the electrical contractors in the city were warned 10 days ago that all applications for current would be declined which “ would involve increased demand on Waipori during the daytime” and that “ it is hoped to remove these restrictions after the winter.” Now Sir. this state of affairs has been too prevalent in the past for the department to plead, as it does, an “abnormal increase of load.” As a matter of fact, we know that the same percentage increase has occurred year after year and should have been provided for. Cr Shacklock has on various occasions given ” explanations ” in the council when bis colleagues have sought information- regarding these delays; but I say. with a fair knowledge of the facts, that councillors have been far too easily satisfied, and. if they had asked more searching questions, it .would soon have been obvious that unjustifiabje delays had been occurring. For instance, it was recently alleged that the No. 1 station was in arrears because a coffer dam had been washed away during the floods, whereas a little inquiry would have shown that the station should have been completed before the * occurrence of the floods. A somewhat vague statement was also made regarding delay in delivery of machinery, but the fact is that the essential machines were delivered months ago, and are now lying on the bank waiting for the erection • i?"* station which, from nil accounts, will be a matter of 12 months late. If we are to have a Government supply, it is necessary that negotiations be pressed forward fit is now seven months since they commenced, and little progress seems to have been made): for an extra high tension line fVom Oamaru cannot be built in a month, and it is essential that finality bf reached at an early date. We may scramble through this winter stinted of power and heat, as we have done in other years, but let the ratepayers see to it that they put men on the council who will push on with construction, or with a contract with the Governmn (whichever it is to bo).and see that we got a dependable supply for the winter of 1030. and a wise provision for the years to come.—l am, etc.. Electrical Trader, Dunedin. April 20.