PERIOD OF ANXIETY OVER POWER SUPPLY HAS ENDED

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19197, 10 October 1930, Page 7

PERIOD OF ANXIETY OVER POWER SUPPLY HAS ENDED

Water Level At Lake Coleridge Rises Over Four Inches In Two Days. SINGE Wednesday morning the level of the water in Lake Coleridge has risen 4.4 inches. In addition, the inflow from the Harper River has been at its maximum of 820 cusecs since yesterday. The period of anxiety has definitely passed, and it is probable that there will be a relaxation of many of the economy measures within the next few days. During the twenty-four hours ended at 9 o’clock this morning, the level of the lake rose nearly 24 inches—a phenomenal rise for one day. The level at 9 a.m. was 1659.25 feet, compared with 1659.05 feet yesterday morning, and 1658.90 feet on Wednesday. The rain ceased last evening, 0.29 inches having fallen in the twenty-four hourly period. This morning the w r eather yvas north-west and clear.

An important meeting of the executive of the Power Economy Committee is being held to-day for the purpose of reviewing the present position at the lake. It was announced this morning that the committee would make a public statement late this afternoon. The most gratifying feature of the present situation at the lake is the large volume of water flowing in from the Harper River. The flow of 820 cusecs, which was reached yesterday afternoon and was still being maintained this morning, is the highest that has ever been obtained. The smaller streams that flow into the lake also have been running at a

most satisfactory rate during the past two days. The indications are that these conditions will continue for some days. „ . , The actual rise in the level of the lake since Wednesday represents a volume of approximately 143,000,000 cubic feet of water, which has flowed into the lake in excess of the quantitytaken out to drive the turbines. The output of units of electricity vesterday was 258,100, compared with 271,160 on Wednesday, when the weather was unusually cold for this time of the year. There was also a decrease in the maximum demand on .the power house yesterday, the figures being 17,560 kilowatts and 17,940 kilowatts respectively.