WINTER SHOW’S POWER PLANT NOW BEING INSTALLED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 89, 20 May 1949, Page 5

WINTER SHOW’S POWER PLANT NOW BEING INSTALLED

The power plant for the Bay of Plenty Winter Show Association, imported from England, arrived at Taneatua by rail from Auckland on Monday. It was trucked here and unpacked on Tuesday and is now "being installed in the storeroom beside the main Winter Show building.

Realising some time ago , that the success of a show depended upon sufficient power to run trade exhibits as well as the necessary lighting and other requirements, and anticipating that such a demand might be too heavy to be met out of the meagre Borough ration, the Association decided to take the bold step of installing its own plant. After some preliminary investigation, the one now in course of installation was purchased ex War Assets, England, is “as new” condition for £750, packing and freight free to Auckland. Its new cost would have exceeded £2,000. A special import license was obtained, and the plant was originally scheduled to get here in March, but was delayed by the diversion of a ship during a waterfront dispute at Auckland, and trouble in finally securing a berth there. This 25 KVA generating plant comprises a Metropolitan-Vickers AC generator, driven by a 40 h.p. Coventry-Climax petrol engine, mounted as a complete unit on a prefabricated steel base. Its packing case mesaured 9’ 6” by 5’ 6” by 6’ 6”, and the weight of the outfit is 2 tons 10 cwt.

The generator, which is complete with all switch gear, meters, and automatic voltage control, is capable of delivering an extra 10 KVA if coupled to a more powerful engine. That is a desirable feature, as it means that the generator, working with the present motor, can be run to its full rated capacity without fear of damage or overheating.