GREATEST EVER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 121, 25 May 1942, Page 3

GREATEST EVER

WAR POWER PROBLEMS

AUCKLAND INDUSTRIES' NEEDS

Problems greater than any with which the electric power authorities have had to contend in the 34 years that have passed since Auckland city was first served by a public electricity supply are now being faced by the Auckland Electric Power Board, stated the annual report of the general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, presented to the board this afternoon.

Mr. Bartley added that these problems were common to the whole Dominion, and it was necessary that industrial concerns should understand fully that the supply authorities were much alive to the position and were determined to meet it to their utmost ability. Auckland, he said, had a greater number of industries dependent on electricity than any other centre, and was therefore particularly affected.

Among the difficulties being encountered, stated Mr. Bartley, were loss of staff and shortages of materials, transport and transport facilities. He predicted that the period of a change-over from a war to a peace basis, when that time arrived, would also involve many problems, which would be accentuated by the releasing of demands stored up under the existing wartime restrictions.

Referring to the board's financial position, Mr. Bartley said this was sound. The repayment of the halfmillion loan, and the consequent reductions in depreciation, sinking fund and exchange costs had a most beneficial effect.

Appreciation was expressed of the fine work of the merchant service, the navy and other war branches in delivering materials during the year and in keeping losses at a low level.

By restricting the load, the maximum reached during the year had been limited to 72,292 kilowatts, stated Mr. Bartley. The board had managed fairly well in meeting all essential demands and in avoiding inconvenience and hardship to consumers. Elimination of wastage was necessary at all points. He appealed for the full cooperation of the public.

The board's surplus for the year was £79,883, a drop of £16,371 as compared with the previous year. A decrease in earnings and increased capital charges had been responsible for the change. The reduced lighting restrictions for commercial, street and sign illumination had reacted on revenue. A new item in costs was £7845 for E.P.S. measures.