POWER CRISIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26410, 14 March 1947, Page 8

POWER CRISIS

THE NORTH ISLAND DRASTIC PROPOSALS WIRELESS SHUT-DOWN ' DOMESTIC RESTRICTIONS P.A. WELLINGTON, Mar. 13. New Zealand is experiencing a more drastic situation in regard to electric power shortage than has so far been made public, and the Government has avoided admission ol the cnueai Miration which exists and is rapidly deteriorating. This is the opinion of the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association of New Zealand, which believes that the State Hydro-electric Department will have difficulty in maintaining more than a skeleton service to North Island consumers for some months to come. I The association has sent a letter to the Minister in Charge of the State Hydro-electric Department, Mr Semple, asking him to make the following cuts to effect savings:— ‘ 1. The broadcasting stations immediately to cease transmission. 1 2. To impose a “ black-out ” on all domestic consumers in the North Island between 9 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m., and midnight-7 a.m. 3. That evening entertainments such as theatres, be asked to cooperate by commencing their sessions in sufficient time to enable those attending to reach their homes before the electricity shutdown at midnight. i ; Need for Urgent' Measures The president of the association, Mr J. A. Nash, who is moist alarmed at the position, has had urgent discussions wiih the association secretary, Mr N. G. Dunning, and these culminated in representations being made to the Minister. Mr Semple was asked, in view of the serious position which threatens the electricity supply, to dis cuss - urgent measures of control to meet the serious problem confronting the supply’ authorities in providing services to the community, the< association states. . , . In making ' the suggestion 'that the broadcasting stations should immediately cease transmission, the asso-. ciation is suggesting' that-, either, the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, or i Mr Semple should inform North Island consumers frankly and without evasion what he expects .the prospects are of maintaining continuity of supply to essential Consumers. The association holds that the-present method of making short duration cuts in broadcasting is doing little to meet such a serious position as exists and that very often receiving sets are allowed to remain on until the resumption of the broadcasts. It contends that the only sure way to enforce a reduction of power is to ensure, that sets cannot be operated. In this .connection the association suggests that stations could come on the air for a short time each day to advise the public of the existing position in regard to electric power supply. .. .. _ Reports are frequently reaching the association from supply authorities pointing out the serious effect of the present system of voltage reduction, and it is understood that Mr Nash had urgent representations made to him from farmers complaining of the difficulties with which they are being faced. Dairy fanners, it is stated, are being seriously hit and hand milking is having to be done.' In view of the present shortage of farm labour a continuance of this practice or an extension of it must result in a marked loss of production. The association contends that primary producers must be guaranteed a-supply of electricity and that an actual system of cut-offs can be arranged to meet local requirements, Domestio Consumers The opinion .is held that electric power boards and supply authorities are being placed in an invidious position, when, to. their way of thinking, electricity is being wasted by the broadcasting stations, and it is not in line with the urgent demands being made upon the autKorties for conservation. V • Dealing with the cut-out of domestic consumers, the association feels that while the suggested hours for the shut-down may be staggered in some areas because of, local conditions ,the maximum cut-off periods daily should* be enforced until such time as the flooding of Horahora,and the bringing in of one new. unit at Karapiro can be effected.

In placing before the Minister suggestions which ' the association states might be considered very severe, it points out that'the consequences will be less severely felt by consumers if sufficient publicity is given to the need for co-operation.