ELECTRIC POWER BOARD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4424, 7 June 1922, Page 2

ELECTRIC POWER BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Thames Valley Electric Powe 1 ' Board met at Te Aroha on Tuesday. Present: Messrs. F. H. Claxton (acting chairman), C. A. Arthur, F, E. Flatt, J. B. Thomas, J. Bell, J. C. Miller, J. Ppblen, J. Price, J. McCormick. POWER BOARD OFFICES. The Board's architect, Mr. E. E. Gillman, forwarded particulars of. the payments made and still due to the contractor foil the erection of the Board’s new head offices at Te Aroha. The contract price originallywas £9661 16s, but extras agreed to bring the total to £9677 Ils lid. POWER FOR MATATOKI. The secretary, Matatoki Farmers' Union, wrote protesting cc the con tinned delay in the continuation of the Paeroa-Thames line to serve the Matatoki district. It was pointed out that the service was necessary fpi the coming dairying season. The chairman explained that the gang had been transferred - to the Plains during the fine weather because work on the Plains was only possible during fine weather.' He expected the gang to be transferred back to Matatoki very soon now. Mr, McCormick said the prospects for Matatoki seemed to depend upon the weather breaking! That was hard luck for his settlers. It was a good district, closely settled, and offering good business. The engineer said it was not proposed to erect any more poles on the Plains until Cater the winter. But some necessary work there must be completed before the gangs are sent back on to the Thames Road. The work on the Thames. Road could be completed within about four weeks from date of commencement. POWER FOR-FACTORIES.

The N.Z. Co op. Dairy Co., Ltd., wrote that it was proposed to equip the following cheese factories with electric power, namely: Hikutaia, Wharepoa, Matatoki, Shelly Beach, Huirau Road, Netherton, Okoroire, Kiwitahi (all 15 h.p.) and Manawaru (20 bp.). Also the fallowing butter factories: Paeroa (75 h.p.), Ngatea (75 h.p. to 100 h.p.), and Waihou (30 h.p. at present and probably another 45 h.p. later). The engineer stated that the Matatoki, Wharepoa Road, and Okoroire factories could be connected up at once, and it was decided to advise the company to this effect. POWER FOR DREDGE. The engineers reported that the Public Works Department contemplated placing another dredge on the Waihou River, and had inquired whether the Board could supply 250 h.pto the dredge if , required.—Referred to engineers. CLASS OF INSTRUCTION. The Morrinsville Farmers’ Union asked the Board to arrange for a class for instruction of farmers in e’ectricity, pomting out that such a form af instructon would be very useful. . Mr. Price suggested asking the Supei visor. of Technical Schools, Auckland, to arrange for lectures by Mr. Horace Toombs, of Hamilton, Mr. Thomas suggested that the Bcnrd should lend equipment for such demonstrations ’ and lectures. He thought every assistance should be given wherever possible. Decided to inquire if Mr. Toombs is available for the purpose. DISCOUNTS FORFEITED. The Public Works Department district electrical, engineer, at Hamilton, Mr. T McLennan, sought payment of £l2 16s 9d, being discounts forfeited by the Board’s delay in effecting pay--ment for supplies of- power from Horahora, in accordance with agreement. The chairman explained that the account reached the Board a week after the monthly meeting. He suggested that authority be given the manager to pay those accounts promptly, and obtain confirmation at next meeting.—Agreed to. POWER FOR QUARRY.

Mr Price asked if any exceptional conditions had been imposed in connection with the supply of power to the Piako County quarry at the Gordon Settlement. The engineer said there were: no unusual conditions. The line was being taken from the Manawaru- line, and had been deferred until the quarry was ready. To Mr. Pohlen, Mr. Gauvain said the line beyond Manawaru would be continued to MJatamata later, but sufficient poles were not yet available. These poles were to be shipped from Australia in a few days. : DEPOSITS ON INSTALLATIONS. Mr„ Miller asked was it not possible to extend the concession to consumers paying the cost of installation by instalments. He noticed that another power board was accepting a cash deposit of only 25 per cent, of the cost. The Thames Valley Power Board required a cash payment of 33 per cent. The chairman said th® matter required investigation. He could not recall any case where a prospective consumer was debarred owing to the difference in cash deposits.