POWER EXTENSIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 239, 9 October 1928, Page 15

POWER EXTENSIONS.

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED. ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAYS. DEMAND FOR TRAMWAYS. The possibility of , the electrification of the suburban railways and the formation of a transport board, with consequent increased demands for current for tramway purposes, are factors that will influence the Auckland Power Board in making provision for the extension of its services. "It is necessary for the board to seriously consider future finance for the extension of its business," said the chairman of the board (Mr. W. J. Holdsworth) at yesterday's meeting. "Our loan money is now practically exhausted, and still demands for power are coming along freely. Power from Arapuni is within reasonable distance, and, as soon as the first turbine is working it will give added impetus to business. "There is not the slightest doubt that the publics will sanction the formation of a transport board and, as soon as that is done the board will have to consider various extensions that are long overdue. It is useless for this board to wait before considering how this js going to affect its finances. The very fact of those extensions being undertaken will necessitate the erection of further sub-stations and large capital expenditure.

Necessity for Readiness. I "It would not be wise," he added, "for the board to delay and find the extensions had overtaken it. We must be in a position to be ready whenever the extensions are put in hand." Indicating the rapid development of the board's business, Mr. Holdsworth said thirty stoves and fifty water heaters were being installed weekly. In the light of these facts, the board must consider strengthening areas that were already reticulated. The board required to anticipate its future demands, and not permit its load to overcome it. It also wanted to be in a position to complete its reticulation in the farming areas in order to give consumers in the outlying district every facility. The reserve had been earmarked till the end of ID3O, and, therefore, without making further arrangements for finance, the board would have to wait till after then before having any money available for extensions. In view of the tramway extensions and supply that would be necessary for the Otahuhu railway workshops, he thought the board would ;be advised to go into the question of the future'financing of its undertaking.

Mr. E. H. Potter suggested that inefuiriej should be made as to the position of the Railway Department and the electrification of the suburban lines. It might be advisable for the general manager (Mr. It. H. .Bartley) to make himself conversant with the Government's policy in that respect,' "fhftt lias already been done," said Mr, Bartley, Provision had been made fo? two sub-station sites that would work In with the Government's scheme when it came to fruition. Nothing would be done for 18 months or so, however, to finalise the matter.

Need to Anticipate Demand.

Mr. Holdsworth pointed out that no matter how careful the board was in estimating its expenditure it was usually thrown put, The Otahuhu railway for- instance, .had in-, Solved expenditure of £40,000. This laijdVp? development was proceeding all the time, and the board really hfid to anticipate to'a certain extent. Mr. Bartley said it was difficult to provide with certainty any distance ahead. The new railway station and & new factory that was nearly completed alone would require 1000 k.w. and the expenditure by the board of a large sum. Mr. T. Bloodworth d rew attention to the fact that there were hurdles in the way of the transport board. It would not. bg safe tp assums that the new board Woqld carry out the programme laid down by the City Council in regard tg extensions,

Mr. M. J. Benpett thought It a sound Policy to Anticipate the demand. ,? The natural expansion of this board will demand further capital expepditpre,' 1 paid Mr. Hojdswprtfi. "It would be wise to keep the transport question ig view, and if pothing comes of it the mppey peed not he raised.''

Ultimately Mr- Bartley was instructed to prepare a report .for the next meeting, indicating the fresh capital that' will be required for Auckland's ppwer undertaking within the next few years.