ELECTRICITY.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 671, 4 October 1921, Page 4

ELECTRICITY.

(To the Editor)

Sir —Electricity and electrical troubles are in the air. There are arivotf 1 cates of hydro-electricity, of the utility of generating current from the waste coal at Huntly, ;of the formation of a Franklin Power Board, etc. We all agree that a reliable and a plentiful supply is highly desirable, and we are all wishful that that supply may be obtained most economically. It is well, however, to face the facts. Hyrdo and slack coal generated electricity are not within reach and will not be for some considerable time. Some small plants do exist in Franklin, and a few of the" residents have the advantage of current supplied to them. I say that while we have to wait for the larged supply it is wise to do all that may be done to strengthen and extend the existing plants. In Pukekohe w*e aie working under the disadvantage of a practically broken down plant, and prior to the break down it was seriously*,overtaxed, and that without blame being attachable to the present Borough Council or its local electrical engineer. In view of this, I trust that consumers will possess their souls in patience until the damaged * plant can be repaired,. In, say, three to four months, our plant will be slightly stronger than it has been heretofore, and if means can be found which probably will be the case, we expect by the beginning of the incoming winter to have a plant running that will supply the needs of Pukeikolie thoroughly for several years to come, with, perhaps, some current to spare for neighbouring district if, the residents so wish. In writing the foregoing, I am aware that I am stating nothing that is not well known to some of our burgesses, w*hile possible others are somewhat uninformed. One thing I cer- ' tainly desire, and that is that credit rather than adverse criticism be accorded to the engineer, whq has been struggling on with with a weak plant, and may our best hopes be realised as to a good supply before the sun reaches his winter solstice.—l am, etc.,

JOHN ROUTLY.