Precious Machines But No

Problem of NG’s Growth: Precious Machines But No Power for Them

THE rapid growth of population and settlement in New Guinea has created there serious pro blems relating to the supply of electric light and power.

During the first half of September, Rabaul was subject to irregular, frequent blackouts: and Moresby’s supply mechanism was breaking down momentarily.

The Works Department was do ing its best, trying to maintain the present plants—inadequate at prac tically all the larger centres —and build'up generating capacity gener ally. But the Administration, will for some time, be lucky to keep pace with just housing and industry.

One of the situation’s worst features is seen in the way in which the authority providing electrical apparatus for hospitals—such as X-Ray and radiological equipment— has allowed itself to get out of gear with the authority responsible for electricity supply.

Report has it that thousands of pounds’ worth of such equipment has been bought, despite warnings that suitable power is unavailable: with the result that it is lying

around useless. In Rabaul, I saw a stabiliser worth about £2OO, bought for Rabaul hospital with the best of intentions, standing useless un til Rabaul gets a different power supply. Lae also has valuable equipment and insufficient power.,

A radiologist I met said that tfc Administration is inviting tendei for £16,000 worth of hospital equip ment, but the power installatior available now, and in the immedial future, ma de the specificatior

ridiculous.-

Rwr