The Star. TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1923. POWER AND LIGHTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16941, 16 January 1923, Page 6

The Star. TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1923. POWER AND LIGHTING.

A reduction in the price of current for heating is announced by the Ric-cart-on Borough Council, which hopes to promote the use of radiators during the night hours, since the peak load now occurs in the daytime/ The removal of restrictions on the use of current in the home will follow the gradual development of power sources and any local body is to be commended for increasing the use of electricity in the home. The cleanliness of electrical appliances has only to be made known to be appreciated and 4:here arc special climatic reasons in Christchurch for the much wider uke of current for power and heating. Citizens have had a sample this week of what a cold snap may be like in mid-summer, and at a time when fires and hot water systems of heating are laid off for the summer months, a radiator supplies the ideal degree of warmth required when the temperature drops unexpectedly. In the winter time, however, the radiator comes into its own. for it is eminently suited to the rather archaic form of New Zealand home building, which provides for open fires in living rooms and makes the average bedroom a dungeon, to which one retires with the utmost misgivings. It is here that a radiator is appreciated. In the summer time, on the other hand, nothing is more appreciated in the home than an electric fan. or those delightful little labour ravers for housewives, the electric iron and the sewing machine motor It is all a matter of education, not onlv among householders themselves, hue among architects and builders. who should see to it. that the proper electrical points are installed for the supply of current for lighting and power The cost to the consumer is light, and it should be lighter still when the uni versa] use of electrical appliances affords the supply authority the menus of arranging the most economical load fac tor. At present, in the city proper, all household supply is measured through one meter, and is classified as domestic current This system has its obvious advantages, and eliminates the need for extra meters and special readings. But if the demand foT current for heating assumes the proportions that may be expected of it in time, a special rate could probnblv be offered for heating, as apart from light. Comparisons 'n the electrical charges of rival focal bodies are particularly odious, and the “ Star ” does not wish to examine the action of Ri rear ton more closelv than to commend it as a menus of carrying electricity more directly into the home.