ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4994, 30 June 1926, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. ROUTINE business. The Tegular meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board was held ati Te Aroha yesterday, the chairman (Mr F. M. Strange) presiding over the following: Messrs F. E. Flatt, H. M. Corbett, G. Howie, J. Pohlen, J. Price, J, B, Thomas, W. E. G. Willy, J. W, McCormick, H. R. Bush, C. A, Arthur, and the manager-secretary (Mr R. Sprague) and the engineer (Mr N. G. McLeod). VENTURE AT MIRANDA. Mr A. P. Grey, Otorohanga, wrote advising that he Was interested in an industrial venture at Miranda which would take from 30' to 40 h.p. at its commencement. The hours of operation would be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless it would be advantageous from a power price point df view to work a,t night. An inquiry was made concerning the cost of current, and also if the board was likely to extend its operations to Miranda in the future. A quotation was sought for a 40 h.p, motor, British design for preference. Instructions were given for the information to be supplied, and the engineer was asked to supply a further report. SECRETARIES’ CONFERENCE. The Power Boards’ Association advised that a ‘ conference of power board secretaries would be held at Wellington on July 6. Remits totalling 18 had been received for discussion. Mr Sprague was authorised to attend. ACQUISITION OF LAND. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, wrote with reference to the acquisition of section 29, block VII., at Waitakaruru, by the board 'for pole-growing purposes, and advised that as soon as the advertising and other necessary formalities had been complied with it would be necessa.ry to obtain the Governor-General’s approval before a title could be issued. The chairman remarked that everything was being done to avoid delay, TREE PLANTING. The Conservator of State Forests, Rotorua, recommended that the board should confine its efforts to the planting of Euc. engeniodes, and a, small plot of Euc. Muelleriana. The department had a good man available to assist the boa,rd in starting planting operations. In answer to Mr Corbett the chairman said that the board had proposed to plant about ten acres a year. Mr Corbett said that he was not in favour of the project, and he would like further information on it. The chairman assured Mr Corbett that the board had gone very fully ih-,into the matter before committing itt self. Mr Corbett replied .that he would like to go into the special report brought down. The secretary said that the report was available. "■ PAYABLE LINES, The engineer reported tha,t, a canvass had been made of Mackaytown and Karangahake, and results had shown that the lines would be payable. On the resolution of Mr Flatt the engineer was empowered to proceed with the line provided additional consumers at Mackaytown were signed up. PATETONGA AREA. The engineer reported that a, canvass had been made of the Patetonga area., and the results had shown that on the face of it the line would be payable. A start would be made with the erection of the line in about a fortnight’s' time. Mr Willy expressed his satisfaction ’ with the result. WAITAWHETA AND WAIHI. PLAINS A canvass had been ma/le of Waitawheta and Waihi Plains, said the engineer. The line had been found to be payable, and some of .the material for erection had actually been delivered. However, one prospective consumer had since withdrawn, and the line was now rendered non.-payable and construction had ceased in the meantime. Mr Corbett moved that provided the line could be made payable the board proceed with the .work. Mr Fiatt seconded : . The chairman pointed out that the board, would have to adhere to its policy, 'a,nd unless a line was definitely payable, the board would no.t proceed with the work of erection of ’ that line. FIXING PRICES. Mr Flatt suggested that after the forthcoming Power Boards’ Conference the Thames Valley Board should fix its contract with the Government for a definite term. It would be necessary to fix a, price because on it hinged the vexed question of the Te Aroha and Thames boroughs. That question required to be disposed of before the board could fix its charges and maintenance costs. Mr Price contended that it was very unbusiness-like. He .was of the opinion that the Government was almost sure to increase its price 'for power when the present contract expired, and he thought it was necessary that the board should be apprised of the position. ' EMPLOYEES’ WAGES. The Power Board Employees’ Federation advised that a conference would be held at an ea,rly date. The board w,as asked to advise of any proposed increase of wages, and also to nominate a representative to attend the conference. The chairman said that farmers were 'faced with any increase in power board employees’ wages. Jt had also to be remembered that farmers were also faced with a slack time and a dropping market. Mr Corbett moved that Mr W. P. Gauvain be appointed .the board’s representative at the conference, and that he be asked to oppose any further increase in wages ; also that the - manager and engineer be authorised to attend and instruct and advise the board’s representative. For Coughs apd Colds never fails. wmH;' Great Peppermint Cure,