CITY IN DARKNESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 34, 3 May 1927, Page 12

CITY IN DARKNESS

LIGHT AGAIN FAILS TWO STOPPAGES YESTERDAY CANDLES IN KEEN DEMAND Following the stoppage at half-past two yesterday afternoon another failure in the electric power supply occurred shortly before nine o’clock last night. Although the first mishap caused considerable inconvenience to all users of electric light and power, particularly to shops and factories, it was not until a second break in the supply plunged a large portion of the city and residential area into darkness last evening for a period of 35 minutes, that the inconvenience of such interruptions was fully appreciated by the general public. In the affected area a complete stoppage of all activity immediately resulted. Trams stopped dead in their tracks, and in picture theatres screenings were rudely interrupted until such time as emergency plants could be brought into operation. CANDLES REAPPEAR In private homes and dance-ha 11s lamps and candles were in keen demand, and for those who had not provided for any such contingency, nothing remained but to wait as patiently as possible in the darkness until light was restored. As a stand-by the now despised candle again came into its own. and by those who had a packet was truly appreciated. TWO DIFFERENT CAUSES In no way arising out of the morning mishap, which was caused through the accidental tripping-out of the main switch controlling all the auxiliary switches, the second interruption was the result of the burning out of a load transformer on the main station, which affected all the sub-stations. All areas fed with alternating current were cut out, only a comparatively small area stretching back from the east side of Queen Street, which is supplied with direct current, being undisturbed. At 9.30 p.m. the service was again resumed after a break of about 35 minutes. Yesterday’s mishaps resulted in a total stoppage over a period of approximately 65 minutes—the longest experienced for some considerable time.