IN DARKNESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1923, Page 2

IN DARKNESS.

THE ELECTRIC EIGHT EAIi.S. The electric light- was cut n|f for several hours on Saturday evening owing to a breakdown in the water race from Kanieri Lake, and it. was not till 11.00 p.tii. that 'lie light came on by power from the steam auxiliary plant. It is understood that, the water at tint power house began to tail about 0 p.ni. and at (12(1 p.m. hat! stopped altogether. Patrols started out at once from the power house and Lake ends of the race and the fault was found about midway between the two points at a place where the race was boxed. The water appeared to have worked its way through the box. and .scoured away the foundations. with the result that, the hexes were let down and a break caused. Some 9 or ]() men were at once put on and working with the aid of flares they had the repairs completed on Sunday morning hv 5 o’clock. As tt result of the breakdown the town was in darkness on Saturday evening and most of the business places, where the gas installations had been, cut out. had to resort-, to the temporary use ol candles and kerosene lamps. As a result of the cut out. business in the slops suffered considerably and the town looked very dismal. The light came on again its stated and Wits welcomed heartily. As a result of the stoppage there was quite it small rush for gas mantles and candles to supply the necessary light. Tt looked like ancient rush days to see a candle or two attempting to light up some of the shops to enable business ho ln> carried on with some difficultv. There was quite a large crowd in Tie streets, and this added to the discomfort of business people. The Ritnu Flat dredge was not working on Saturdijy and the auxiliary plant was not put in use, as is generally toe case on Saturday’s. This proved most unfortunate under the circumstances, though with the line weather experienced the breakdown of the .va'.-r race was very unexpected.