The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 1924. AUCKLAND’S NEW ERA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 12 June 1924, Page 6

The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 1924. AUCKLAND’S NEW ERA.

“The board realises,” says a statement issued by the Auckland .Power Board, “that the advancement oi Auckland is inseparably connected with an abundant supply of electricity, and is determined to encourage the demand, and, at the same time, see that there is always sufficient electricity available. It is anticipated that the removal of restrictions marks the beginning of a. new era in the electric supply for Auckland.” The views set out in this declaration are based on common knowledge. The Auckland Power Board issuing this statement, announced that restrictions on the operation of electric motors and lighting' in the direct current area, which have long* been in * force,' havo been removed. This action marks the end of the phase, through which the board had to pass, in which the demand for elec trio supply from the mains already erected could not bei met by the generating plant. It should bo explained that the Auckland Board has now installed a total capacity of, 19,900 k.w. (26,600 h.p.), which will be increased in 12 months to 29,900 k.w. (40,000 h.p.). It is stated that this will meet the requirements of the Auckland district for some time to come. The period. of reconstruction has necessarily taken time, as it has involved not only large- additions to the generating plant, but also additional equipment at Hobson Street and Newmarket, where new machines have also been installed. Now that the generating and converting equipment is erected and running, and the present demand from existing lines supplied, the board can take a fresh breath and look ahead to the near future, and make arrangements that, as far as possible, the electricity supply of Auckland will not again be in the position it was when the board took over. We commend the pronouncement of the Auckland Power Board to the earnest consideration of every member of the South Canterbury Board. It is universally admitted that an abundant, reliable supply of electrical energy for lighting, heating and power purposes is urgently needed in this district i town and country are to keep pace with our enterprising' neighbours. The supply from Lake Coleridge has proved utterly unreliable, but the rising tide of public indignation has been beld in check by the decision of the Power Board to investigate the potentialities of Tekapo as a source of hydro-electric energyWe suggest, however, that the Board should invite Mr Tcmplin to report on the most unsatisfactory state of affairs in connection with the present supply. The Board lias previously embarked upon a policy which spells ultimate defeat in the event of a big scheme being submitted to the decision of the. ratepayers of the whole district. Piecemeal schemes spell trouble. in the future. Before embarking upon further operations entailing dependence upon Coleridge as a source of hydro-electric energy, the Board should invite Mr Templin, in the capacity of consulting engineer, to furnish a report on present and. future prospects as far as supplies from Coleridge are concerned. The people of Auckland are enterprising and progressive' citizens. They realise, as we do in these parts, that adequate and reliable supplies of cheap electrical energy are the basis of national prosperity and progress This district is blessed by Narine in many ways and by its geographical position. The average citizen is no less far-seeing than our northern friends, ncitner . :-s the desire to see the district prosper less keen than in communities farther afield. It is nevertheless an indisputable fact that promoters of industrial enterprises chose localities tor their establishments as near as possible to the source of cheap and reliable power. If, however, this district is . compelled _to endure the vagaries of Coleridge for an interminable period, the prospects of rapid development are not very rosy. It is encouraging to note, however, that organised public agitation is beginning’ to make itself felt, and that we may expect to see a change, not only in the policy or the Board, but in the unsatisfactory state of affairs existing m connection with the present arrangement lor the supply of current. Surely the people of this highly favoured district are. not less alive to the vast potentialities of South Oanterfbury, than are the Aucklanders who see in ! the coming of an. abundant supply of cheap electrical energy, toe dawn of a new era.