POWER BOARD BUSINESS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4327, 7 October 1921, Page 4

POWER BOARD BUSINESS

SECRETARY -MANAGER’S REPORT. __ The secretary-manager of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board reported as follows to his Board on Tuesday : WIRING AND POLES. There have been connected during the month 64 flat rate consumers', which includes 32 motors and 64 houses. This makes a total number of consumers of 232, not including Te Aroha bulk supply. There are at present four small gangs erecting and wiring farmers’ lines. Owing to' a possibility of a shortage of farmers’ poles an order for 500 35ft poles, L. 8., and 300 22ft and 400 24ft\poles has been placed with Aj C. Brown, to be brought over by ’the Louis Theriault for a further charter. CUTTING OUT DEAD TIME. The first meeting of foremen was held at Te Aroha on Wednesday, the 28th, at 12 noon. The chairmap (MrF. M. Strange) and the engineers, represented by Mr N. C. McLeod, were present. It was recommended that all employees camp on their respective jobs and that no one be transported to their work by means of the Board’s trucks, the Board to supply tents, chimneys, and collapsible stretchers.. This will be a big saving to the Board, not only in transportation, but -the men will be working the full time. The average loss of time to the Board is one hour per day per man under the present method. It I was suggested that as soon as sufficient tents are available that no workmen be conveyed to and from their work in the Board’s time. The matter of the Board providing a horse for two large main line‘gangs of men for pole erection and drawing out wire, etc., was recommended. The horse to be under tine direct control of the foreman. • The motors installed • and working are giving every satisfaction, It will take a little time after the current is available to make the different lines efficient. CHEAPER SHIPMENT The shipment of poles by “Louis Theriault” was discharged on Saturday last at 12 noon. The quantities were, 450 35ft,. 337 30ft, and 214 26ft poles. Tabulated-figures showed a saving of £456 0s 2d in shipping to Kopu, as against Auckland. The main benefit that is derived frpm loading at Kopu is the saving of Storage charges, and having the poles centralised for distribution. On a shipment of poles on May 7, ex “Rakanoa,” landed at Auckland, it cost for storage 19s 6d, anct handling 4s, making a total of £1 3s 6d. Thehandling charges for unloading another shipment, ex "Canadian Highlander,” during the same month cost Ils per pole and storage 10s 7d, making a total, of 21s 6d per jpple in Auckland. UNSATISFACTORY WORK. In Company with Mr Gilmore, Fire Underwriters’ Inspector, together with Mr. Waters, inspection was made ->f several installations at Matamata dane by private firms which were not

satisfactory, and Mr Gilmore reflused to pass,. It is necessary, for the Board to see that their regulations are adhered to, and I am now awaiting a report from Mr Gilmore on the matter. .