CITY LIGHTS GO OUT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 11, 13 June 1913, Page 7

CITY LIGHTS GO OUT.

BLACK XIGITT IX CIIHISTCIIURCH. Christchurch, Juuc 9. Shortly after six o'clock last night a "fault" occurred in the City Council'# electrical system, and all the lights connected with it suddenly went out. The City Council's engineer and his officers immediately' began a search for the "fault," and, at a late hour, were successful. Until about a quarter to nine all buildings served exclusively by the Council system were in' darkness, but at that time the current was switched oil to some of the consumers. Naturally in a number of cases a great deal of inconvenience was caused by the shortage, and complaints were numerous. At the Police Station all was in darkness, aijd from the outside there was 110 sign of life whatever. ]» the watchhouse a small piece of candle guttered 011 a desk, and an open bull's-eye lamp flickered with a smoky flame alongside. A man had been brought in 011 a charge of assault, and there was a curious little scene as the various formalities were gone through. The man was relieved of the contents of his pockets, and was thoroughly searched with the little group of detectives and policemen collected round the dim light. Throughout the evening the station remained in darkness. The tolc]thone exchange suffered considerably through lack of light, and the operators, with candles in their hands, were kept busy watching for calls until the service was restored. The organ at St. Andrew's Church was put out of action for the night The choirmaster, however, had a tuning fork witli him, and the musical portion of the service was proceeded with without the usual organ accompaniment. The organ at the Durham Street Chinch was also alß'ctcd !,y the "fault," but was not put out of action. Mr. J. C. Scott, electrical engineer to tin Council, stated that a short circuit occurred without a warning at about a quarter past six in the underground main in Hereford street, between Montreal and Colombo,streets, lie was informed of the stoppage of the current at half-past six, and immediately sent for assistance. None could be' obtained; however, and he had to undertake by himself the cutting out of the faulty portion of the main. J!y half-past eleven the work was finished.