ELECTRIC WIRING.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1924, Page 4

ELECTRIC WIRING.

SAFEGUARDS- SUGGESTED. The need for further measures tor the protection of the public against the risks involved by defective electrical installations was discussed recently bv a consulting electrical engineer Isays the “New Zealand Herald.”) lit' said that since the Electric Lighting Act of 1982, the electric wiring industry in all countries had been subject to continuous change in current consuming devices and standards, and of course in various regulations. These conditions tended to keep the larger firms from investing capital in a business which by them was looked upon as a necessary evil, or simply a means of turning over their stocks. Thus the smaller firms, and even ex-em-ployees, came to carry on the housewiring business.

Owing to spasmodic development of generation and distribution in local areas, the stress of competition forced down prices with the natural result of scamped and defective labour and material by a few unscrupulous employers and employees, in spite of regulations, and more regulations ad infinitum. "In my opinion the elimination of these unscrupulous individuals would raise the whole status of the business and enable the reliable contractor, largo or small, to get a fair return on his capital invested, and a reasonable remuneration for his services without seriously increasing the purchase price.

“It seems to me that the wholesale and indent houses have the cure in their own hands. Lot them simply refuse to give credit or material to such persons who do or have done bad work, and let no master wireman employ the incompetent or unscrupulous wireman. With the ordinary regulations and inspection, and a reasonable price for services rendered the main incentive to bad workmanship or material would he removed.”