DRASTIC POWER RATIONING

Chronicle (Levin), 29 May 1946, Page 5

DRASTIC POWER RATIONING

MEJiBOURNE FACES GRIM WINTER PROSPECTS Received Tuesday, 11.10 p.m. ELBOl'RXE, -May 28. The coal shortage is steadily forcing Melbourne to face tlie prospect of a grim winter. Ilrastic electricity rationing is now in force and today the Pregas rationing. mier, Mr. Cain, presided over a conference which disoussed the qucstion of Xormally the eity's electrical supply is independent of Xew Houth Wale's idack coal sujipiy as it is drawn from the Bfcate Electricity Cohimission 's yast powerhouse at Yallourn where one of the world's largest deposits of brown coal provides fuel for the furnaces. Mrown coal cannot be used industrially except in briquette fortn but tlie manu facture of briquettes is unablo to keeji tiuce with the demand and recent dis putea in New South Wales which have cut ofl: industrial supjilies of black coal, have exhausted the (lommission 's briquette stoeks. kf elbou rne 's power and liglit is aggravated by a serious lireakdown at Vallourn necossitating three ■ weeksi ehutdown of portion of the generatiug }ilant but even when repairs are etl'ected it is expected some form of electricity rationing will continuc for three montlis over the worst winter period. At present the rationing order pi-o-hibits the use of electricity in homes between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. except for the lunchtime liour. In shops and oftices no power may be used between 7.30 a.m. and 10.3(1 a.m. or between 5.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. Tram serviccs have been cut by onethird. All industries cease using- electricity ofter 1 p.m. on Friday until Moiidav morning. kTosl shops are closing about 5.15 p.m. except those which have emergencv lighting but some are carrying on with Ihe aid of liurricane lamps and candles. The gas supply is assured until Thursilay when ii collier is Oue from Newcastle but if tlie ship is delayed a total cessation of gas is threatened.