AUCKLAND MOTHERS DEMAND HOT WATER

Chronicle (Levin), 10 April 1947, Page 7

AUCKLAND MOTHERS DEMAND HOT WATER

AUCKLAND, April 9. Restrictions on the use of water heaters might be relaxed during the coniing weelcend if the pubiic's fino response to the board's ban was maintained for the remainder of this week, said the chairman of the Auckland Electric . Power Board, Mr. Irwm Crookes. The restrictions could be eased only for the weekend and would have to be reimposed probably on Sun day night. The response to the board ;s restrictions during the first week of their iniposition, had been very gratifying, said Mr. Crookes. The boaid s staff of more than 20 inspectors had visited 15,000 homes and reported that almost every householder was seriously trying to assist.

Auckland mothers are really lettmg their hair down about the power euts. Low rumblings of discontent are now all 'around the town, and Mrs. Mary Dreaver, M.L.C., has telegraplxed the Minister of Works (Mr. Semple) : "Auckland mothers want to know why hotels, boarding-houses, restaurants and eatiug-liouses are exempt from the cuts in water heating. " Mr. Semple has replied: ' ' Sufficieut water can be heated in small utensils for all essential requirements, but this is not possible in establishments such as hotels and restaurants .depending on electric supply. Moreover, commercia] water heaters consume less than"" oue per cent,, and domestic heaters , more than 27 pcr cent. of the total power used in the North. Island for all purposes. " _ : The mothers' reaction is awaited here with trepidatioii.