TOO MUCH LIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 522, 27 November 1928, Page 7

TOO MUCH LIGHT

STREET SYSTEM CRITICISED STY COUNCIL WANTS ECONOMY The Works Committee o£ the City Council has approached the Auckland Electric-Power Board with a view to reducing the candle-power of lighting wherever psible, in order to effect a saving in the annual cost and to enable the installation of additional lights. This was reported at yesterday’s meeting of the board by the general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, who said he understood a number of new streets had been opened which required lighting, and no money was available for that purpose. The board would probably be asked to reduce about 102 lamps from 400 to 250 candlepower. The lamps were in Great North Road, Remuera Road, Gillies Avenue, Jervois Road, College Hill and Victoria Street. There would be a saving of about £219 6s on these lights and the council would be able to instal 22 new lamps of 100-watts capacity each. The chairman, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, said the council was responsible for the original scheme, but had evidently found it too much. The board, however, was always willing to help the council. Mr. E. H. Potter said there should be a revision in street lighting, as a larger was placed on the local body ratepayer. Street - lighting charges were too high. Some streets "ere over-lighted and power was going to waste. In some cases a bad glare was created on the roads. Mr. Holds worth: There is no doubt many street lights are trying to light the heavens, instead of the road. However. Auckland is one of the bestlighted cities in the Southern Hemisphere and this has to be paid for. Mr. Bartley said the system was an expensive one and no money was being made. The position would be reviewed at the end of the year and as soon as a reduction in expenses was shown the board would reduce charges. it was decided to adopt the general manager’s report and -to meet the City Council as far as possible.