SUPPLY OF POWER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 273, 18 November 1943, Page 4

SUPPLY OF POWER

NEXT YEAR’S NEEDS STATE DELAY CRITICISED. (Special) Auckland, Nov. 17. Criticism of the Government’s delay in making decisions regarding the supply ot power in the Dominion next year was expressed at a meeting oi the Auckland Electric-Power Board. Letters ironi the Power Boards’ Association stated tliat the illness of the Prime Minister, the Kt. Hon. r. f- raser, nad prevented :wi interview with him. “I cannot understand why the Government is nut taking some action or letting it oe known wnat is being cone to meet the serious position which must arise next year,” said the chairman. Mr. S. J. iiarouti. “Mr. Nash knows the urgency, and 1 cannot understand wny members of the Cabinet should not have power lo act in a cast ol emergency, It nothing is don**, we will have to blame the Government if we are forced to shut down supplies next year. 1 may be misjudging them, anu n so they should puolisn wnat is being done on the question ot supply and allay the widespread leeiir.g of unrest in the country.” Mr. J. Park said they could blame the Government next 5 ear, but that would be no satisiaction to the people wailing Icr power. It was unfortunate that the Prime Minister should be unwell, but he nad a private secretary, and the members ot the Cabinet should have access to any information available. "It is ridiculous to say they cannot carry on without him, ’ added Mr. Park. "What is going to happen it ho is ill for some time? We ate going to oe blamed. If the Prime Minister is ill. do the wheels of State stop?” fhe difficulties involved in securing generating plant and supply materials were outlined by the secretary of the Power Boards’ Association in another letter. It was stated that any orders 1 w ere considered in their relative importance in the Allied war effort. That applied in the country of origin as well as in New Zealand, and would have a bearing on supplies lor rehabilitation works, as well as for general supplies. It might be advisable lor the association to. send a man to represent the power boards at meetings of the Allied priority boards.