USES OF ELECTRICITY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1920, Page 4

USES OF ELECTRICITY

Mr J. R. Templin, electrical engineer of Christchurch, and formerly of Ross Flat, who is visiting the United States, in a letter dated January -20, states that in a trip to Pittsburg, Washington, Now York, and Schenectady, he obtained a great deal of information in regard to the use of electricity on farms.

“There is one thing that is giving great results,” he writes, “that is, the use of the electric light in fowlhouses to increase egg production. The light is turned on at 4 a.m. in the winter, and until 9 p.m. The general use of electricity in the country is not evident here in the east. Our own law, allowing local bodies to reticulate country areas, is undoubtedly a very progressive step; it gives the farmer an advantage that may not he realised until a person sees how other farmers are handicapped. While in Washington I visited the Department of Agriculture to see the results of electricity for pasteurising milk, and for stimulating crops. As yet, neither has been successful, and I was given very little hope that there as any likelihood of success with the present methods employed. Due to the abnormal labour conditions existing here to-day, there has been a great market for very small electric motors for household electrical conveniences, such as washing machines, vacumii cleaners, etc. Two of the largest electrical manufacturers in America are i full up of business for 1920 on small motors, chiefly for washing machines. After careful investigation, I can safely say that we are right up-to-date in New Zealand as to the distribution and uses of electric current.”