POWER BOARD ACTIVE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1005, 23 June 1930, Page 10

POWER BOARD ACTIVE

SUPPLY SOURCES MUST BE AUGMENTED INQUIRY IN ENGLAND Attempts to arrange a conference with the Public Works Department, ever since the discovery of the fault at Arapuni, having failed, the Auckland Electric-Power Board is giving the closest attention to the possibility of the rapid provision of a plant to augment the existing sources of power supply. Through the board's agents in England, information is to be gained regarding the possibility of plant being available for immediate shipment to New Zealand. The board is eager to secure a plant which- can be assembled with the least possible delay. As member of Parliament for Eden, the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy has dispatched telegrams to the Prime Minister, the I-Ton. G. W. Forbes, and the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, emphasising the necessity for early action to safeguard the industrial life of Auckland and the province. Mr. Stallworthy has indicated the seriousness of the position which has arisen since Arapuni was shut down, and the likelihood of increased acuteness before emergency measures can be made.

According to the chairman of the board, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, the boards’ action in beginning negotiations for emergency plant is the result of the lailure to arrange a conference. That Arapuni cannot be expected to give a supply for a considerable period is known, and the question confronting the power boards of the province, especially when power consumption is expected to increase to an extent, is the possibility of augmenting the supply sufficiently to allow a reasonable margin of safety above the already strained demand. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY At a recent meeting of the Auckland Board, several members stressed the necessity for the Government to recognise its responsibility in the closing of Arapuni. The opinion is that the Public Works Department should pay attention to considerations, including the need for emergency supplies, other than the situation at Arapuni. As little delay as possible should take place in arranging for supplementary plant. Mr. El olds worth states that thq board, while considering it to be the responsibility of the Government to make such provision, is desirous of immediate action. King's Wharf was working at maximum load. A conference with members of Parliament in the Auckland Province has

been arranged for tomorrow by the board. The board is anxious to have the members acquainted with, the board’s position when Arapuni is discussed in the House of Representatives. In the view of Mr. Stallworthy, the supplementary plant might cost as much as £150,000, and it would be necessary for the Government and the board to reach some understanding. King's Wharf’s normal capacity is 26,000 kilowatts, and the provision of a generating set to add about 50 per cent, to the present capacity of the sources of the board is a question for instant ! consideration. In the past three years, I the average increase of power con--1 sumption has been 6,000 kilowatts. “With some diversity between the loads of the other boards, and a further probable allocation when Horahora is ! again functioning fully, we can look | forward during the next nine months to giving our consumers a fairly reliable and continuous service without any serious restrictions or hardships. The whole position can be materially improved by the loyal co-operation and support of all the board’s consumers being careful in the use of electricity of all kinds during the evening peak hours, between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.,” Mr. Trevithick said. ‘Any conference held before the Minister makes a definite statement will be of little or no use. I consider that representations should also be made at that conference by the combined boards to the Minister, to have the legislative clauses providing for compulsory depreciation suspended until 12 months after normal supply conditions again obtain. This is most important, and no doubt we will obtain Government relief in this direction if the matter is pressed. “Meanwhile, the board can face the position today with a more marked degree of equanimity than when first advice of the shutdown was received, and can assure its consumers that with reasonable care a fairly good service will be given by the board's distribution system,” concludes the report.