ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5095, 2 March 1927, Page 2

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. THE MARCH MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board was held at Te Aroha yesterday, the chairman (Mr F. M. Strange) presiding over the following: Messrs J. Price, F. E. Flatt, J. W. McCormick, G. Howie, C. A. Arthur, J. Pohlen, H. M. Corbett, W. E. G. Willy, J. W. Anderson, the manager (Mr R. Sprague), and the engineer (Mr N. G. McLeod). KEREPEEHI SUB-STATION. A elngthy communication was received from the district electrical engineer, Public Works Department, relative to the lay-out off the Kerepeehi sub-station. In regard to the date of getting supply it was pointed out that the determining factor in that respect was the arrival of the switchgear for Waikino. That and all other orders from England had been much delayed owing to the coal strike, and all work had been disorganised owing to the necessity of temporary makeshifts at all places where construction was going on. It should take about a month to get the temporary sub-station completed, and by about that time the 50 K.V.A. switchgear would also be installed. If the board was in a position to expedite the work at Kerepeehi the department would raise no objection te the work being done.

The engineer said he had received further advice that it would probably be the end of April before the work would be completed. The board might be able to provide a certain amount of labour, but he did not think Jt should pay for labour done in connection with temporary work. The chairman said that the board had done all it could to expedite matters? but there was little that it could do. It was decided to leave the arrangements in the hands of the engineer and manager. AFFORESTATION AREA. Mr W. T. Morrison Conservator of Forests, wrote stating that 'he would reserve sufficient stock of E. Eugenoides to plant 20 acres, at Waitakaruru, which it was the intention of the board to plough ready for the coming season ; also a small number of several other varieties which - ? t was thought would do well on the board’s land. No Californian redwood was available at present, but it was probable that a larger number of wellgrown seedlings would be available next, year. The timber from C. Lawsoniana, which was suitable for a fireproof belt, had a very high reputation for durability. While the growth was not rapid, satisfactory' progress was made under good conditions. Mr Price contended that Lawsonianas were useless as a firebreak. Several members expressed their disapproval of the recommendation al the class of tree for planting as a firebreak. 1

The matter was referred to the special committee handling the arrangements.

Mr L. B. Campbell, district Public Works Department engineer, wrote iorwarding a plan of the board’s section at Waitakaruru where tree-plant-ing operations were to be undertaken. One road, it was stated, had not been closed, and was therefore excluded from the tjtle. It was impossible at present te indicate the limits of the railway reserve.

CHARGES FOR WATER-HEATERS.

Air W. Main, Tirau, wrote complaining about what he considered was an unfair charge made against him for a hot-water heater, namely, £9 9s yearly, against £6 charged the dairy farmer who had power for 24' hours while his was off for two hours in tjie afternoon

and morning. . The manager explained that waterheaters could not be used during peak hours. The rates were the charges operating, and a reduction could be made if the writer would agree to a change-over switch.

Mr Price pointed out that, milking motors were In use for about two hours a day, and that the difference in the charges was far too great. He considered the position was absurd. The engineer pointed out that t.he board’s charges were less than those obtaining at Auckland. A farmer paid £3 a year for 600 watts, but if a man put in more elements than two the board would have to put. in a larger and more costly time-switch.

Mr Flatt said that a consumer with, two elements was being heavily penalised.

Mr Price moved that when the charges were next, being considered the board give special attention to the charges for time-switches. Mr Flatt seconded. STOPPAGE OF POWER. A settler at, Kerepeehi wrote asking if the board could not notify consumers by telephone letter, or telegram when current, was to be cut off during the day time. The manager explained that when compulsory stoppages were made the fact was always advertised in the local press of the district concerned. It would not be possible to notify all consumers personally, and there had been no previous complaint* The matter was referred to the manager and engineer, with a recommendation that consumers be notified personally as far as possible by the troubleman in the district. DEFECTIVE CUT-OUT.

Mr Price asked what the fault was on the cut-out at. Peria. On that section the power had been cut off for periods of about three minutes several times during last week at the evening milking period.

The engineer said that he had received no reports from the troubleffian in the area referred to. However he would Rok inte the matter and take steps to avoid a repetition of the trouble. It was highly probable that birds on the poles had touched the protectors on the cut-out with theh' beaks and thrown the switch out at Horahora. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £14,028 8s on the power fund and £7601 6s lid on the loan fund were passed for payment.