PRECARIOUS POSITION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 82, 18 June 1943, Page 5

PRECARIOUS POSITION

ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY

MORE RESTRICTIONS PROBABLE

A regional supply conference was held in Hamilton on June 4 which I attended. A report together with the special agenda set out by the Secretary of the Electric Power Boards and' Supply Authorities Association of New Zealand is available to any of the Councillors who wish to peruse same. The report is very comprehensive and details the history and extent of the prestent and future shortage of bulk electricity supplies which' will affect this Council considerably in the very near future. The above extract from the Electrical Engineer's report read at the meeting of the Whakatane. Borough Council caused considerable comment amongst councillors. "1 have had an opportunity of reading the report," said the jNkiyor, "'and I can assure councillors that New Zealand is in l'or a very serious power shortage not merely for tiiis year but for three years to come." Gr Crecke asked why on moonlight nights it was necessary to have the street lights onMr Lysaght replied that every available opportunity would be exploited to conserve the supply. The commercial consumers. - had been advised of the necessary reductions by circular and the council's staff had disconnected all neon signs and community ■ lighting. Reducing Radio Service A letter from the Hutt Valley Eletric Power Board on the same subject requested support for its representations that radio broadcasting hours be reduced with the object of conserving electricity j Cr Canning said he was in full agreement. The main stations could be maintained but the commercial stations were quite unnecessary. The Mayor: 1 understand that the question is already under consideration for it would not only mean a big saving in the actual broadcasting but also in the use of the receiving sets. Cr Caisley: Yes. and it would save a lot of hot air too. Cr Good: And release more men for essential work. The council supported the suggestion unanimously on the motion of Crs Caisley and Good.