Big Shipment Of Copper Wire For Rural H.B. Reticulation Arrives

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 89, Issue 15, 10 October 1945, Page 4

Big Shipment Of Copper Wire For Rural H.B. Reticulation Arrives

The first big shipment of copper wire to be ianported from England since the outbreak of war in 1939, is now being unloaded at the Port of Napier and being transported to the Hastings yards of the Hawke's Bay Electric Power Board. The consignment, which cost about £4,000, will be used for rural reticulation. During the war years the export of copper wire from England was prohibited, but immediately the restrictions were lifted the order was placed. This was about nine months ago. An interesting feature of the consignment note is that in pre-war days the quantity of wire was Usually noted by its length, the number of miles being designated. Now, however, it is designated by weight, the number of pounds weight being given. The present consignment comprises from 15 to 18 drums, each having a ton weight of wire. It is estimated that there will be sufficient wire for about 100 miles of reticulation, and it will be used mainly on the Maraetotara and Taheke extensions, as well as several smaller extensions Reports received at a recent conference of power board representatives 'in Wellington indfccate that the Hawke's Bay Board is probably more advanced than any other board with its post-war rural reticulation programme Since V-E Day some .14 miles df country reticulation have". been either livened-up or are under construction. The latest extension, which it is hoped will be livened-up on October 23 next, is the four-»mile extension beyond Ben Lomond,' in the Glencoe district.