THE ELECTRIC SUPPLY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1773, 11 June 1913, Page 11

THE ELECTRIC SUPPLY.

MAYORAL STATEMENT, COUNCIL'S POSITION EXPLAINED, Tko Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) had something further to say to a Dominion reporter yesterday, with reference to tho request made lor reduced charges for tho supply of electric current to largo consumers. This application was wado to tho Tramway Committep of the City Council on Monday, by a deputation of theatre proprietors. The Muyor stated that tho generating charges at the power station were 2Jd. per unit, but overhead and interest charges brought, the cost to -I.OSd. per unit. While the council was desirous of meeting the claims of largo consumers of oiectricity, the subject had to bo appioached by the council from a business standpoint, quite apart from tho desires of individual consumers. The policy of tho council was to cheapen the sunoly of electricity to all consumers, as much as possible. • In the past year, for example, the council had reduced charges, notwithstanding tho increased cost to themselves. This increased cost was accounted for by an increase in wages, and in the price of coal, oil, etc., and other factors in carrying out the work of generating oiectricity. The council would, htwever, givo tho mutter earnest consideration, and if anything could be done to meet the claims of the theatre managers, these consumers could rest assured it would bo dane.

Proceeding Mr. Luke said that the oouncil wore out distinctly, to keep all tho consumers they had, aiid to create a wider distribution by getting mora custcmers. It had to be remembered that the initial capital charges of the electric light undertaking weoe considerable. The company that was carrying ou the enterprise had to bo bought out. Additional machinery had been put in, and everything done to maiit.iin a good su without going into 'further loan money, His personal opinion, apart from the position ho occupied, was that the power station was in a very valuable portion of tho city, making Ihe questiun of supply of conl a very important one. Tho coal had to be carted from tho Uailwoy Wharf, a considerable distance away, and placed in tho bins at the station. The ideal position for a station was adjacent to the water fiont, vh«reV steamers could discharge their coll right into the bins of tho electric light station. There was a lot ahead for tho council to keep its power station on modern lines, and also ou a basis of getting the best result possible, and giving the greatest benefit to the community.

Questioned regarding the statement made by the manager of a continuous picture theatre that he could generate iiis own supply at about lid. per unit, the Mayor said that it looked a very attractive scheme, but many factors had to bo considered. Not only was capital involved in putting in machinery, but there ivero maintenance and working costs to be added. Tueso working ci were .a factor that were sometimes lost sight of by enthusiasts in suggesting a rival suppl£" ' "he Mayor further explained that an interim report was being prepared, which \vould_ bo sufficient to warrant tho electric light committee* consulting with the directors of the .Wellington Opera House Company, as to the requirements in the way of lighting needed for tho Grand Opera House, as compared with the existing Opera Hou-:e. The deputation had asked for a flat rate of 4d. per unit, but the fatal, charges to the council, as stated, came to I.OSd. per unit, made up as follows:—.Station cost, 1.34 d.; distribution cost, ,55d.; general expenses .59(1.; capital charges 1.59 d. '