BRIGHTER HAGLEY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18403, 9 June 1925, Page 10

BRIGHTER HAGLEY.

LIGHTING. UP THE TRACKS. COST OF BURIED CABLES.. "Careful consideration was given by the committee to the petition submitted by the Beautifying Association, urging that the proposed of these tracks be carried out with underground cable and standard lamps, instead of with pole? and overhead wiring." So stated the Electricity Committee to the City Council last night. The committee added:—-"The attached report from the General Manager of the Electricity Department intimates that the underground method would cost four to fivo times as much as the overhead system, and the annual charges would be more than three times as much. In view of the greatly increased cost, the committee cannot recommend the underground system, and recommends that the scheme agreed upon between tho City Council and the other local bodies be adhered to."' , The General Manager reported as follows: A petition has been submitted to tho Council, and referred t6 the Electricity Committee, advocating that the proposed lighting of the park tracks, be put underground. This proposal will involvo a cost of from four to five times as much as the cost of overhead wiring, as follows: — , Over- Under- . head ground ' Construe- ConstrucItcm. tion. tion. '» £ s. d. £ a. "d. LamT) fitting complete erected ■ .. ..-- 50 11 0 10517 0 Poles or standards \ erected •• •• 228 16 0 270 12 0 Wire or cible with accessories (in place) ■.. 85/17 0 1180 6 0 365 i 0 1556 15 0 Annual charges .. 3 0 ~T> 10 0 0 The cfesire for securing the best, appearance in the work is appreciated, and id an 'aim which the Department shares within reasonable limits. It is, however, a piece of work which is not justified in being carried out regardless .of cost.. There arc not wanting .instances in New Zealand where the benefits of electricity have been negatived by an undue cost in providing them. Later, \yheu the-park is more closely "cultivated, and more extensively used, the circumstances may warrant a mora expensive and ornate' installation. The primary need at present is illumination. It is a sound policy to bring the benefits of electric lighting as early as possible, and in a case of this kind, to make the first installation as economical aa pos* sible consistent with results and appearance. In addition to these general considerations, the following points have an important bearing on the matter: — (1) With underground wiring and ornamental poles, the light cannot be given the same elevation, and consequently is. less effective in not* covering the same area. Where intensive lighting is justified, as in central congested areas, elevation and consequent dispersion are less important in each individual lamp. In this case, elevation h essential.

(2) Upright vertical fittings necessitate an enclosing globe. ' This reduces

the effectiveness of the light, and calls for ft higher c.p. lamp. (3) In the seclusion of the park, and with the lamps at a much lower elevation, breakages are likely to be more numerous, and, owing to the special globes and, fittings, would be more costly than in the case of the ordinary street lamp renewals. Further, faults in underground cables are more difficult of access and repair than are overhead lines. (4) The standard overhead typo of construction to be carried out could, be erected at once. The alternative underground cable.might possibly be secured in New Zealand, but in all probability would have to bo indented, as \till also the' special fittings and globes, and this would prevent'tho lighting being available this winter. (5) The local bodies agreeing to bear the annual charge did so on tho basis of £3 per annum per lamp. On the underground type of construction the annual charges would be approximately £lO per lamp. ' The above particulars and aspeets of the problem are submitted for the information of the committee in making a recommendation- to the Council. Cr; E. H. Andrews said that tho General Manager, of the Department had prepared an alternative scheme that the overhead iights should be placed where the poles were at present; that certain lights should be cut out, and that the main track cables should be placed underground. The cost of that modified scheme would be a little over £7OO. He had since received a second modified proposal from another source, which would reduce the expense half again. The Domains' Board would provide -the trenches, and people interested in- the park might contribute to tho cost of the modified schemes Cr. A. McKellar said the present scheme had been approveli of at a conference of representatives of local bodies interested, and if any change were made it would be necessary to call the conference together again. In the meantime Cr. Andrews ct/iild submit his scheme.. The Coincil agreed- to hold the matter over in the meantime.