POWER AND WATER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21033, 23 May 1930, Page 10

POWER AND WATER.

POSITION AT WAIPORI. VERY SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. NEED FOR EARLY THAW. The wintry conditions of the past day or two have accomplished little more than convincing people that winter is coming into its own at last. It might have been expected that the stormy and cold weather of Wednesday night and early yesterday morning would have considerably relieved the minds of those responsible for the supply of the city's power and water. But this has not proved to be the case. Not more than .14 inches of rain fell at Waipori, and although a good deal of snow fell on the surrounding watershed, a good thaw 1 is necessary before what is covering the hillsides can be expected to augment the volume of water at present stored in the dam. The rise in 'the level of the lake yesterday was reported to he 3J inches, but it is probable that this is as much the result of the restricted consumption of power as the outcome of recent rain. The weather at Waipori yesterday was fine, and gave rise to the harassing thought that the next turn in the season may be in the direction, of customary frosts. Should such a change occur the chance of a useful thaw will he greatly diminished, as the freezing of the snow lying about the watershed will seriously affect even the existing inflow into the lake, in which case the position will be graver than ever. SUPPLIES AT RESERVOIRS. ■ For the 24 hours ended yesterday morning the city reservoirs had lost 210,000 gallons, but, on the other hahd, there was a total gain on Wednesday morning of 310,000 gallons. The rainfall on Wednesday did not help the position very much, as only six points were recorded for the succeeding 24 hours at Roes Creek, 14 points at Sullivan dam, and six points at Wbare Plat. The various reservoirs are still very low, and it will take some time and plenty of rain before they can be filled again. Under the circumstances, it behoves users to restrict their consumption in every possible manner. TRAM SERVICES. The following tram arrangements have been made for to-day:—Normanby-St. Clair, St. Kilda-Howe _ street, Anderson's Bay-Opoho lines, continuous 20 minutes service. On all other lines buses will run. The usual Friday night tram service, will be run in the evening from 7 o'clock.