WESTLAND POWER BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1929, Page 2

WESTLAND POWER BOARD

WEDNESDAY, MAY Ist. The Board sat at 4.30 p.m. at the County Chambers. Present: Messrs B. Ward (voted to the chair), T. R. Chesterman, F. W. Selby, R. Wliiley, 0. P. Stuart, J. A. Murdoch, E. A. Wells. Apology was made for the absence of Mr W* J. Butler. Air J. S. Langford was present by invitation. The minutes of flic previous meeting were read and .confirmed. The outward correspondence was approved. The Returning Officer notified the election of the new Board. . The Chairman welcomed the new members Messrs Selby and Stuart. Air Alurdoch moved that Air W. J. Butler be re-elected Chairman. Air Ward seconded.—Carried. Formal correspondence was read and received. WESTLAND POWER LTD. Air J. S. Langford submitted the following report: For the information of your Board we would advise liiat the reticulation ol the district has now been extended through the Kanieri township to Air Wliiley’s sawmill and fiaxmill on Kokatalii Road. In addition, guarantees have been received tb cover the reticulation of Kanieri Township and an extension of the main line to the south bank of the Hokitika ri. er. The total length of transmission line now installed is approximately 40 miles, an increase of six miles from the date of our last advice to yon. Numerous enquiries have been received from the Kokatahi-Koiterangi area regarding an extension of the supply to these districts, and as soon' as the necessary guarantees have been supolied this work will be gone on with. The five most important sawmills within reach of our lines are operating successfully on power supplied from our system and the successful conversion of this industry to operation by electric power is thereby established. Experiments and demonstrations have been carried out covering the use of the powef supply for alluvial mining and it has been shown that the adaptibility of this form of power lends itself to the handling of gravels in a manner which would otherwise be impossible, and as a result of these experiments considerablie developments in the alluvial mining industry is being planned for the near future. A remarkable feature amongst now consumers is the great popularity of the electric cooker and water heater, a number of these having been placed on order by consumers who will be connected up during the next few weeks. The report was received with thanks, and supplemented by Air Langford, who expressed regret that the Government had refused the application for a road grant to the Dillman’s power station. He considered that as the undertaking was a public utility and great convenience, the help asked for should be forthcoming. He outlined several improvements to the race which had been carried out, including the replacing of a flume with wrought iron pipes. It was proposed further to spend about £6OOO on the Dillman’s tunnel, as a safety factor for the future, and approval of the proposals would he asked later when finalised. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Air AVells it was resolved to renew the application for the road through the County Council. In reply to questions, Air Langford said the power line was being taken along the south bank of the Hokitika river from Kanieri as far as Air P. Renton’s. Residents en route were linking up. The matter of extension to Woodstock and Rimu was one of guarantees, and the residents could be met on the matter. The application for light and power were coming in most satisfactorily further assuring the stability of the Company. GENERAL. It was decided to meet on the 22nd. inst. to deal with applications from Mr Langford for alteration proposals to the water-race. The Treasurer reported a credit balance of £SO 17s 3d. Accounts to the amount of £8 19s 9d were passed for payment and the meeting rose at 5.5 p.m.