POWER LINES AND POLES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4947, 5 March 1926, Page 4

POWER LINES AND POLES

WIRES ON PRIVATE LAND.

BOARD ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY.

A matter of interest to farmers whose land is crossed by electric power wires came before the Thames Valley Electric Power Board at its meeting on Tuesday. A letter was received from- Mr F. Pinchess, Waitakaruru, who pointed out that .the board had erected its wires on his land and over his shelter trees, and recently had notified him to cut part of the trees so that they would not ’touch the wires. He contended that the boa,rd should have placed its wires elsewhere, and- that as .the present position had been adopted to suit the board’s convenience it should undertake the care, of the trees. The writer asked who would be responsible in the case of an accident occurring through farmers, inexperienced in electrical matters, causing damage or being injured while, removing trees from near power, mains.

The secretary reported having notified Mr Pinchess ip advise the Ngatea depot when he contemplated removing the trees, and;a competent man would be sent to see that no accident occurred.

Mr Flatt raised the question oft the board’s responsibility in such cases,

The chairman said that no responsibility would rest on the board, though if there was any danger the nearest depot .should be advised so that a competent can could be sent to supervise. Mr Price said that the board should not compel a man to remove trees where it had put lines on hip- land for its} own benefit. The engineer said it was the board’s policy. When such trees required attention the cost was borne by the board. It was quite possible that in this case a mistake had been made, and the position would be investigated and remedied if neceslsary.

On the motion of Mr Price it was decided that in future the board would accept responsibility for trees oh fjv m land over which it had placed lines for its own convenience.

At a later stage the chairman reported that in the case of Mr Pinchess a mistake had been made. The wires had been erected .over the . trees to suit the board’s, convenience, and’the settler would be notified that the board would assume 'responsibility;