LIGHTING THE WHARVES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 56, 29 November 1917, Page 9

LIGHTING THE WHARVES

ELECTRICITY RECOMMENDED

BUT NO EXTRA POWER PLANT

Tho following report on tho lighting of tho wharvos was presented to tho Harbour Board by the engineor at tho meeting last night:— "In accordance with a direction by tho board, I have tho honour to report on tho position regarding the electric lighting of tho various wharves and sheds, and on the advisability of tlio board now providing its own generating plant for lighting and power. "It will be remombored that in 190Q I reported on tho most economical method of lighting tho wharves and sheds, and finally recommended that when funds woro availnblo the hoard should instal the necessary plant for its own olectric lighting. This jcport was adopted, but although the matter has beon brought up on several occasions since no authority has beon given to proceed with the work. Howover, following out the decision of tho board to adopt electric lighting, i<ll buildings and wharvos erected since then have, beon lit by electricity, and several of the older sheds have been converted.

"During the recent etriko at tho Gas Company's-works'it was found necessary to run temporary mains to somn of the wharves lit with gas; this work is now being mado permanent. Apart from the question of lighting tho wharves and- sheds by electricity, ships and hulks, when being worked at wharves, are now required under the harbour regulations to use electric light whore such light can be obtained fronf the shore, and as current is available either on tho wharves or in close proximity to them, it was decided by the board to extend the mains to wharves which wore not already wired. Taranaki Street has already been wired, and Jervois Quay partially wired, leaving the Queen's WharJ as the only large portion of the board's property to be lindertakon; this it is proposed to pur in hand wlicu labour and material are available. .. „ , "With regard to the advisability _ or the board now providing generating plant to.produce the'current required: Conditions have altered since the original ■ recommendation was made, inasmuch as the Government has now decidod to establish a hydro-electric power station near Shanuon, from whence current will be available in Wellington at a comparatively low rate. The probability is that, power from this station will b'e procurable within the next five years. ' ■ "I therefore wo'uld not now recommend the hoard to establish its own lighting and power plant, hut that they should obtain what current is ii'ouirod from the City Corporation until the Government supply is >available." Tho report was. adopted, the vork to be done as opportunity offers.