ELECTRICITY CONTROL

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22730, 4 October 1945, Page 8

ELECTRICITY CONTROL

MINISTER’S ASSURANCE “This particular problem is not, I can assure you, being overlooked,” wrote the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Works, in response to a request from the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce that there should be some modification of the controls imposed on the use of electricity. The chamber had urged special consideration for returned servicemen requiring permits for supplies of power. “With the finish of the war consideration is being urgently given to amending the restrictions on electricity, now in force under the Electricity Control Order, to suit the changed circumstances,” the Minister stated. “So far there is no tendency for power consumption to decrease, or any indications in that direction, and as for some time the demand for power has exceeded our resources the problem of making power available for even most essential or desirable new industries or businesses is very difficult, unless at the same time new restrictions in other directions are imposed ” Needs of Essential Services The Government intended providing for essential services without the necessity for additional restric- 1 tions. In carrying this out. the | Minister stated, he was confident j that the interests of the returned j servicemen would not be handi- j capped. “Immediately it is possible to do so, 1 I wjll make a public announcement of the amended restrictions on j electricity supply in the North Is- ; land.” the Minister added. “They can get power in other 1 places, but not in Wanganui.” said Mr W. D. Young, who added that some men back from overseas had plant and machinery lying idle because they could not obtain elec- ! tricity. Another member said he understood that the restrictions applied to all parts of the Dominion, to which [ Mr Young retorted: “They apply, but , are not enforced.” 1