Result of Prolonged Dry Spell

Chronicle (Levin), 31 May 1947, Page 5

Result of Prolonged Dry Spell

-Press Association

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, May 30. The Minister of Works (Hon. R. Semple) announced today that as a result of ' the prolonged dry weather over the summer and autumn in the South Island the supply of stored water for the hydro-electric scheme had been rediiced with the result that the power supply aut'horities throughout the South Island would have tneir allocation cut by 20 per cent. helow last year's, Ah order was heing gazetted under which aXl new electric space heating installations in premises other than n6w dweilings and under . specified ... cpnditipns in existing dweilings would be prohihited. Powers wexe. also being given for the supply'' authorities to curtail or even prohi-bit- the supply of electricity for doniestic water heaters if this became necessary to bring power consumption . within the amount allocated. The Minister said the power problem in the South Island had been accentuated by the fact . that power consumption had been 10 per cent. above last year's rate. This lncrease would not have caused any serious difficulty if there liad been normal r-ain during the summer and autumn. Mr. Semple said that' to make up for the deficit on the Waitaia power production, calls were made on stored . water at Lake Coieridge * much earlier than has been customary. As a big run-off of heavy rain could not be counted on at this time of the year the remaining stored water would have to be 6k.ed out to meet South Island reciuirements until the spring rise which was usually in August or September.