POWER QUOTA OVERHAUL ASKED FOR WHAKATANE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 49, 26 May 1950, Page 5

POWER QUOTA OVERHAUL ASKED FOR WHAKATANE

Following the decision of a public meeting at Whakatane some weeks ago on the present power shortage in the district efforts are now being made by the Whakatane Citizens’ Association along with the Whakatane Borough Council, to have the allocation of power throughout New Zealand completely overhauled. Both bodies have written to the Minister of Works on the subject but so far no decision has been received.

Letters To Ministers The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, explained the present power situation at a public meeting the Citizens’ Association decided to write to the Minister of Works and also to Mr W. Sullivan M.P. In his letter to the Minister of Works the association secretary, Mr J. Mawkes, stated:—

“After a lengthy discussion I was directed by resolution of the meeting to write to you asking for a complete readjustment of the power quota allocation to this district.. A public opinion poll conducted amongst domestic users by the Citizens’ Association showed that a big majority favour an individual quota system. However, it the clear from the figures produced that this system would not work satisfactorily with the small amount • of power that is now allocated to the Borough. As you are probably aware, power cuts are imposed regularly, electric radiators are totally prohibited, and water heating is cut down to an extent that creates a hardship to mothers where there are children in the home. -

“Residents are well aware I'hat the power shortage has created a National emergency. They are also aware that rigid economy in the use of power at all times will continue to be necessary and they are quite prepared to play their partin this direction.

“Figures produced at the meeting went to prove that the power available per household in Whakatane is substantially lower than that allowed in Rotorua, in Auck-land-and in Wellington. This is no doubt. due to the large increase in the population in this area, which has thrown the quota out of alignment with _ other places. Population Increase

“The trend of discussion in the meeting was not so much that an increase be granted to Whakatane which would get us through until the next dry spell of weather creates another crisis, but rather that some system be devised to review all power allocations at suitable intervals and reallot quotas in proportion to the increase or decrease in population. In this district the increase in population as revealed in the last census was the fourth largest percentage increase disclosed in the Dominion and this appears to have placed a penalty on our residents. “We feel confident that you will realise the justice of our claims and take steps to adjust the position,” Mr Mawkes concluded.