ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5048, 5 November 1926, Page 1

ELECTRIC POWER.

WORK OF THAMES VALLEY BOARD

LINES DAMAGED BY LIGHTNING. ’The following was Inclided in the report submitted by the engineer (Mr N. G. McLeod) to Tuesday’s meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board: —

“Ilopai West Road,—'Che change over to 11,000 volts was completed and supply given on October 2. “Pukaka Road. —The U.OVbvoli line has been extended down this road from the Awaiti road to the stopbank at the Waihou River. A transfer mer platform has been erected, and supply will be given immediately. “Kar.angahake—The work of pole lilting and erection was commenced on October 26.

“Criterion Bridge, Paeroa.—-In order to give sufficient clearance for the building of the new bridge it has been necessary to make provision for deviating our line at this point. The present position is temporary. The line will be placed in its proper Position after .the completion of the bridge.

“Lightning Storms. —On October 5, at 11 p.m., lightning damaged the 11.000-volt transformer' at Allen Street, Morrinsville. On October 14, at 8 p.m., lightning burnt oil one of the, leads on the Motumaoho main supply transformer, repairs being effected that night. On the same day, at 7.45 p.m., a severe stroke caused trouble On the Manawaru section. One of the main 11,000-volt wires was severed, the cover was m one transformer, and another transformer was damaged. The sap was torn through on several poles, and seven loiw tension arms were burnt right through. On account of all the public telephones being put out of action no information as to this damage was received until the morning of the 15th. Supply was made available about 3.46 p.m. the same day.

“Interference. —Trouble was experienced on October 28 at Gordon, due to some person, having shot and smashed two insulators on the low

tension line. The wires became entangled and several consumers had to milk by hand that morning. Inqniries are being made as to who did the mischief.

“Kerepeehi Sub-station.—On October 9 the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Mr Williams, was interviewed regarding the possibility of supply being made available at a much earlier date than Septe,mber of next year. He instructed that the wprk be hastened.