BIGGER CUT OF POWER IN NORTH ISLAND

Grey River Argus, 31 March 1948, Page 4

BIGGER CUT OF POWER IN NORTH ISLAND

Easter Rain Betters South Island Position

P.A. WELLINGTON. March 30. The immediate reduction ot the consumption of electricity to a 15 per cent, below the allocation has been requested of all the North Island electricity supply authorities, in a telearam sent to them by th P Electricity Controller.

This represent, a reduction oi 10 per cent below the amount of power now being allowed. The reduction was announced by the Minister-in-Charge of the State Hydr.o-Electric Department, Hon. R. Semple, m an interview this evening. He said that, so far, all of th P appeals for a reduction in consumption had met with a poor response,, and that over the Easter period the position had not shown any improvement whatsoever.

M r Semplp said that, in addition, the tropical storm which occurrea during the Easter week-end, nail missed both the Waikaremoana anti the Taupo watersheds. Under tne existing circumstances, there was no option but to call for a sharp reduction in the amount of power being consumed. He hoped that the consumers' would do their best in an effort' to prevent the position from further deteriorating. The Minister stated that in the South Island, rain fell over the Easter week-end. This rain had temporarily postponed anv. need for rationing. But the position in the South Island was being kept uncter close review.