Power Board Not Allowed Licence

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 18

Power Board Not Allowed Licence

“If a renewed application is not successful, we should go in as deep as we can.” said the chairman (Mr W. A. Newton), when the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board was told yesterday that an import licence had been refused for 11,000 volt switchgear. The board’s usual supplier of this type of equipment had been told that a licence was declined because a New Zealand manufacturer was in a position to quote for alternative equipment at a comparable price, said the engineermanager (Mr S. E. Slatter). But, he said, the additional cost would be £1939 10s. The price for the imported switchgear- was £5408. The New Zea-land-made would cost £6695. plus £652 10s for spare parts. The spares were needed because the New Zealand-made plant would be non-standard, and if it had to be accepted, the Hornby sub-station would have to be altered to take it, as the board, for economy's sake, had standardised its sub-station design to take the imported plant. Mr Slatter said that any delay in delivery of the equipment would prejudice the board’s undertaking to the Electricity Department to accept all supply at 33,000 volts by September, 1967. Mr Newton said that the use of standard apparatus and design reduced the time needed to build sub-stations, and meant considerable economies for the board. “I know the balance of payments position is in a par-

lons state, but we shouldn’t be held to ransom to rectify it.” said Mr L. T. Griffith. Mr Slatter said he had discussed the position with the Industries and Commerce Department, which had earlier intimated that the industry would receive every consideration in the granting of licences. The board decided to reapply for a licence. Mr Slatter said that the board had also been refused a licence to import steel reinforcing, and this would raise difficulties in the operation of its pole factory. Lighting.— Plans would be drawn up for the Paparua County Council for improved lighting on the Main South road between Foreman’s road and Marsh's road, said Mr Slatter. Parking.—lt was decided to ask the staff not to leave cars on the frontage of the board’s building at Hornby so as to allow parking by consumers. New Block.— Draft plans for a three-storey office and show-room block at the corner of Brynley street and the Main South road. Hornby, were shown to the board. They provided for a theaUette or staff meeting room. Surplus Power. — It was likely that an agreement beneficial to both parties would soon be reached with Keuipthorne, Prosser and Company, Ltd, for the disposal to the board of surplus power from a plant to be installed by the company, said Mr Slatter.