Westland -Electric Power Board.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1922, Page 2

Westland -Electric Power Board.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

Tli© Boitrd met at the Couilty C’itaiilbers at 3.10 pirn. Present:—Messrs W. J. Butler (Chairman), T. W. Bruce, li. Ward, E. A. Wells, T. R-. Chesterman, and R. F. Perham. Apologies were made for the absence of Messrs J. A. Murdoch and T. W. Duff. Mr R. E. Cranston of the Kanieri Electric Ltd., was present by invitation, and invited by the Chairman to intimate if he would explain the proposals of the Company in regard to securing additional power. Mr Cranston stated in reply that the / Company was stili “ttyifig iJitt" the present dredge, tile machinery for which had lately been strengthened considerably. The dredge was on good j ground, but in the area of the Company’s- claim there was lower grado ground. The experiment at present was to determine liow far the present style of machinery could lie utilised in putting through large quantities of

alluvial in a short time, so that in the case of low grade ground, the working would be payable. It would take threo to four months steady working to solve the question, and till that was aSeer* tnitied this question of extra power was in abeyance.

In answer to further questions, Mr Cranston indicated that there were different sources for power in mind, but the expense was considerable and

it would lie necessary in any case to adopt a scheme whence future requirements could be met.

A general discussion ensued and it was resolved to ascertain the probable demand in the Power . District for electricity. The Chairman, jilessrs Bruce and Duff who are proceeding to Christchurch, were deputed to enqhird into the working of the smaller power districts in Canterbury, and ascertain the support drawn from the farming districts for the use of electricity, also if considered necessary to further interview Mr Templin', advisory engineer, with regard to the local scheme, and report to a later meeting in the month. GENERAL BUSINESS.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed The outward correspondence was approved. From Public Works Department, forwarding regulations in respeet to keeping Board’s accounts. —Received and to he filed. From A. Wells Newton, Christchurch, offering to act for the Board in regard to reporting on proposals. — Received. From Public Works Department, supplying gazette notice ill. respeet to payment of members attending meetings.—Received. It was stated the members at presold «ere Uctiiig in ail honorary way,

From' Statistics Office, asking for statistical returns.—Received, already

supplied. From C. B. Buxton, Wellington, offering to arrange for the underwriting of loans.—Received. From Dansey and Co., Auckland, offering supplies of hardwood poles at Is od per foot. From Kanieri Electric Ltd., asking consent to extension of license to permit supply of .electricity to the Mental Hospital and Kanieri Sawmill Coy’s new mill, Kanieri road. —Received and consent given subject to the consumers reverting to the Board when the Board is in a position to supply electricity. The Board rose at 4.15 p.m.