POWER BOARDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1923, Page 2

POWER BOARDS.

[by telegraph—i*kr press association.] WELLINGTON, July 27. At the Power Board's Conference, in giving particulars to date of the development in the hydro-electricity schemes of the Dominion, the Minister of Public Works foreshadowed that if the Power Boards proceeded energetically "ith reticulation, the Dominion output in three years would reach 40,150 D K.Y.A. Satisfactory progress had been made, hut the success of fu ture undertakings would depend largely oil the contracts entered into by the Power Boards with the Department. Thirty-one Boards had lieen constituted since tho Act was introduced five years ago, ten of which were carrying out distribution and sale. He impressed on the Boards the urgent necessity of keeping their accounts up-to-date, so i-at the Department would know the exact position. Yet some Boards had not ascertained their position, as it was at the end of March. This must Ixj done, and legislation would go forward providing substantial penalties in the case cf a failure to comply. Remits were carried urging daylight saving, as it would assist in preventing the power and lighting peak-loads clashing; also seeking authority to acquire land to grow timber for electric line power, which Ministers promised last year to favourably consider. It was considered necessary that the Boards s.iould grow suitable timber for polo renewals in years to come, instead ol importing.

It was also decided to n.sk for a reduction in railway freight oil imported timber, to make the rate the same as for New Zenlnnd timber, or to levy freight at the port, so that the cost was borne by all users of imported timber. The Department is to he asked to undertake the registration of wire-men. taikng it out of local control.