NEED OF ECONOMY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1941, Page 6

NEED OF ECONOMY

IN USE OF ELECTRICAL POWER DEVELOPMENT BEING PUSHED ON. DEPENDENT ON ARRIVAL OF MATERIAL. ißy Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Addressing the Dominion Power Boards and Supply Authorities Association Conference, the Minister of Public Works (Mr Armstrong) said that whatever other developments might remain in abeyance, electrical development must be pushed on to the limit made possible by the delivery of material and plant, as a vital national work. The Department was doing everything possible. Everything depended upon the arrival of plant and upon the co-operation of every power user in cutting out extravagant use. He said that the present installed capacity in the North Island was 253,600 horse power, and the capacity actually under construction 229,000 horse power. In the South Island the installed capacity was 138,600 horse power and that under construction 78,900 horse power. Replying to inquiries from the Waitaki Board, Mr Kissel, Electricity Controller, said the likelihood of a power shortage in the South Island next winter was remote, and he hoped for completion of the High Bank Station by the following winter would safeguard the position for some considerable period. Delegates discussed the matter of broadcasting, the majority holding the opinion that hours should be reduced as one way of conserving power. Mr Monk, of Horowhenua, said that except for vital news broadcasting was not necessary.