ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4872, 2 September 1925, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. MONTHLY MEETING AT TE AROHA The monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board was held at Te Arolia yesterday, the chairman (Mr F. H. Claxton) presiding over the following : Messrs F. E. Flatt, W. E. G. Willy, G. Howie, J. Pohlen, J. Price, J. B. Thomas, F. M. Strange, C. A. Arthur, J. McCormick, the manager (Mr R. Sprague), and the chief engineer (Mr N. G. McLeod). APPRECIATION. The Thames Borough Council wrote expressing its appreciation of the promptitude with which the boaid s officials attended to the restoration of current on the occasion of the recent breakdown with the transformers at Parawai. The board was requested to provide spares at the station to obviate the risk of protracted delays. ■Owing to the extra load on the power line it was resolved to instal two 300-k.v.a. transformers in place of the 100-k.v.a. transformers now in use. The engineer intimated that tlie 100-k.v.a. transformers could be used again, and he thought the new tarnsforniers would be sufficient, and would reduce the chance of a breakdown to a minimum. MATATOKI QUARRY. The Thames County Council in a lengthy letter forwarded details oi the crushing plant proposed to be erected at the Matatoki quarry, and inquired if the board could be certain of supplying adequate power to drive the plant. The reply forwarded was read by the engineer, in which it was stated that ample power would be available between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. The cost of electricity and a recommendation as to the type of motor most suitable for Q'larrying purposes, was also forwarded. PUTARURU STATION. The Railway Department’s electrical branch, Auckland, wrote asking the- beard to supply an additional phase .and switch-board for the Putar.uru tsation to provide extra lighting facilities at the refreshment rooms.

It. was decided to advise that it would not be necessary to- instal an additional meter as the available power was. sufficient. A permit was granted to bridge the switch. SUPPLY OF. TRANSFORMERS. The Auckland branch of A. S. Paterson and Co., Ltd., advised that three 10-k.v.a., 1100-415-volt Delta Star transformers had been forwarded. 1 LOAN MONEYS. The district Public Trustee, Hamilton, wrote requesting information regarding the sinking funds, of the 1923 Joan of £75,000, and the 1924 loan ol £50,000. The information was sought for submission to the Public Trustee before his acceptance of the office of sinking fund commissioner was made. The information to be furnished. CHARGES FOR LIGHTING. Mr J. P. Gamble, Paeroa, wrote pointing out the apparent inaccuracy of the lighting meter installed at his Waihi shop. He stated that possibly a heavy' door banging to and fro near the meter might be the cause of the inconsistencies in the accounts rendered for lighting. The writer requested the board to look into the matter and make an adjustment in the charge accordingly. The chairman said that an inspection had been made and a new metei put in. The banging of a door would, according to the engineer, have no effect on the meter. It was feasible to suppose that the lights had been accidentally left switched on during a week-end. The meters were quite correct, and the board did not feel called on to refund any difference in the charges.

Mr Flatt said that it would be gracious if the board could make (some adjustment, as apparently a mistake or an accident had occurred. The chairman said that he did not see what could be done in the matter. In reply to Mr Flatt the engineer said that the installation in the shop was-30 100-e.p. lamps. The matter was referred to the engineer fc-r further investigation. SAFETY REGULATIONS. In answer to Mr Strange the engineer said that the earthing of fences- along a power line route was being proceeded with, and where new lines were erected the earthing of fences was done at the time of the erection of the power lines. SUPPLY OF POWER SOUGHT. . Mr Flatt said that some of the settleiis in the vicinity of Smerle’s flaxmill at Kaihcre were a little bit wore at not having power connected up before this, and he would like the engineer to look into the matter. The' engineer said that the line would have to go along a dedicated road, and would not be payable unless the settlers were prepared to pay the cost e.f the line down that road, and also the cost of the service line. The board would' bear the cost of putting the line across the canal. Mr Flatt thought the position should be fully explained to the settlers concerned, and he moved that the engineer go into the matter and get in touch with the settlers. Seconded by Mr Willy and carried. ACCOUNTS.

Accounts totalling £8787 12s id on the power fund and £5576 16s 7d on the loan fund were passed for payment. USE OF DEPOT WALL. Mr R. I. Roberts, Paeroa, contractor for Messrs- Brocket and Shand’s covered stairway beside the boards premises, asked for permission to “flash” the roof of the stairway to the board’s concerte wall, Mr Roberts agreeing to leave everything in perfect order—Granted.