POWER CONFERENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 59, 10 March 1944, Page 4

POWER CONFERENCE

WANGANUI BOARD TO BE REPRESENTED CRISIS SAID TO BE DEVELOPING To discuss a crisis reported to be developing in the supply of electric power, a conference of delegates from electric power boards in the southern end of the North Island is to be held in Palmerston North next month. This was revealed at the monthly meeting of the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board yesterday, when it was decided that the board be represented by Messrs. F. Purnell (chairman), H. Webb (engineer), and G. A. Ammundsen (secretary). Mr. Purnell said much concern was being expressed at the shortage of [electric power and that recently a meeting had been held in the Auckland district which had been attended Ibv delegates from northern power boards. The matter was a vital one land should be met. with a united [front. He contended that the holding :o.‘ a conference such as that suggested in Palmerston North, would enjable delegates from the middle of the [North Island to meet and obtain their I views as to what could be accomplished to meet the threatened crisis. Some boards, said Mr. Purnell, say that not sufficient is being done by .the authorities to meet the position. "We are in this position, that we have [no right to establish our own plant,” i‘•aid the chairman. This has been | denied boards by the Government beI cause it wishes to retain the monopoly [of the generating plants in the Doi minion, he added. The conference | to bp held in Palmerston North would enable boards to be advised of the latest trends as to what was happening. Mr. G. A. Ammundsen, secretary, said it was essential for representatives of boards to meet in Palmerston North otherwise the boards in the Auckland area would be monopolising everything and making it look as if they spoke for the whole of the Dominion. "Let them see that the boards in this part of the North Island are awake to the needs of the time," he added. Mu. S. J. Harris said he hoped the conference would not result in a reiteration of blaming the authorities for everything. What was wanted was consensus of opinion as to the best way of meeting the outlook. "This is only going to be a sectional conference and I do not think the. Government will take much notice of it,” remarked Mr. W. Morrison. "The [Government will want to know what lis the considered opinion of the i Power Boards' Association. He held lth« view that representatives from half a dozen hoards in the Dominion |dld not represent the whole of the country. He did not think that they

would take seriously what the Auckland people said. In reply, Mr. Ammundsen said the president of the association was very much dominated bv what Auckland said. The meeting in Palmerston North was not being called Io flog the Government, but would show that powc£ hoards down this way were fully alive to their responsibilities.