CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 63, 10 June 1942, Page 5

CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW

POWER BOARD'S YEAR

SOUND POSITION REVEALED

The following report by the chairman of the Bay of Plenty Power Board, Mr W. T. Burrett, was submitted to the Board's annual meeting at Opotiki last week:— During the past year the board's electrical undertaking has passed I through another year with the country still at war, and attendant difficult times have naturally left their mark on the results obtained. Difficulties of War Feriodi These difficult times call for different measures from those which sufficed during normal periods, and have added heavier burdens to the administration of the affairs of the Board, as may be instanced by recent power restrictions necessitating a reversal of the policy that has always made every endeavour to stimulate the use of electricity. Depleted staff, difficulty in obtaining suitable materials, and altered conditions of demand, make the task of estimating future 1 possibilities arduous. Recently Government action lias been finalised in an attempt to> secure to the industry sufficient competent staff to cope with Supply Authorities requirements during the emergency period. Slight Revenue Increase Although the revenue shows only a slight increase over the previous year, costs per unit sold have been reduced from .72d to .68d. Also a further drop in the average charge to consumers j)er unit sold from • 87d to .82d and Avo.rking costs per cent of revenue per annum from 57.78 to 55.77 per cent. The board's capital and liquid assets have reached the figure of £297574 and I feel that if a critical examination of the' reports and financial conditions of the board is made, I believe we can conscientiously state we have taken care of' the capital placed at our disposal, and that the assets we have created are of considerable value to our district, Mr J. W. Death' It Is with regret that I have to report the passing of an old and es~» teemed member of the Board, Mr J. W. Sumner. He served on the Board for a period of ten years, and at all times in spite of his many public activities he gave unselfish service to the board's consumers as a whole. During the year there has been little interruption to the board's supply by the Public Works Department, and we have been exceedingly fortunate in being practically trouble free over the board's system. Our outside staff whi-ch has been further depicted during the year, has rendered excellent service in maintaining the high standard of our supply.. Appreciation The board's executive officers have experienced a difficult and trying year and on behalf of the board I wish to convey to them and the staff j our sincere appreciation of their woirk. The board's consulting engineers, 1 Messrs. Yiekerman and Lancaster, j have as always given service that has been satisfactory in all respects. I In conclusion, I wish to thank the members of the board for their full co-operation during the past year in the administration of the. board's undertaking.