POWER AND WATER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 58, 21 March 1944, Page 5

POWER AND WATER

SERVICES CUT OFF

DIFFICULTIES FOR TIOUSEWIYES

■Shb'rtly after 8 p.m. on Fiv~ day evening- the complete failure of the power supply to the borough caused a further serious inconvenience to the sorely tried residents. This was due to a large log striking one of the main power standards which caught by the rapidly ris-s ing waters of the Whauatane river. Under the great strain the pole snapped and Jt was impossSble to effect repairs under the circumstances until late on Saturday night. TJie power break also had the effect of cutting off the town's, water supply, which is dependent upon the electrically driven pumping plant to teed the reservoir. Throughout Saturday housewives, especially those who were entirely dependant upon electric power for cooking suffered considerable inconvenience and there Avere many atI tempts at community cooking where I fresh water from tanks was available- plus the amenities of a fuel stove. Candles were also in keen requisition on Friday night whilst businesses Avhose operations depended upon electric power Avere at a standstill. • On the whole hoAvever the position AA-a.s met Avith only a minimum effort the difficulties on the main be readily overcome. '