POWER BOARD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5427, 22 May 1929, Page 3

POWER BOARD.

THAMES VALLEY OPERATIONS.

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT.

the following report was presented to the annual meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board at Te Aroha on Monday by the chairman, Mr F. M. Strange

“In prsenting my annual report T must congratulate the members of the board on the steady increase of business in spite of the fact that owing to the continual shortage of power, the silting of the river at Horahora, and the disastrous fire at that station, the year has been one of continuous worry and anxiety.

“Our sales have increased by £13,014 over last year, but, unfortunately, the power purchases have been increased in far greater proportion, necessitating a complete revision of the charges to consumers on the flat rate, and after very careful consideration the board has decided to instal meters throughout its area. This change, it is felt, will help to eliminate extravagance and waste, and will be in the best interests of the board generally. “The. rates to be charged for lighting and domestic purposes will be the same as those at present charged for the same services in the town areas. The rate for milking motors (£4 per h.p., plus 3d per unit, less 10 per cent, for prompt payment) is estimated to give relief to the extent of £3500 a year. This deficiency, together with the extra cost of metering, we are confident will be met by the more economical use of the power generally. “The sinking funds invested now amount to £66,871, and the depreciation fund, made compulsory by the regulations and brought into force in December, 1927, now stands at £6049, making a grand total of £72,920. In addition to this there is a reserve of £12,413 to meet any deficiency in interest, which places the board in a very sound position. , “Your executive and engineer have been in continual communication with the officers of the Public Works Department in an endeavour to improve the supply ’ and eliminate stoppages, and I have much pleasure in reporting that at a conference held at Hamilton recently Mr McLennan, engineer in charge of the Auckland electrical district, gave an assurance that the following works would be commenced immediately and completed early in September : The erection of a new 50,000-volt line frbm the half-way house at Gordon to the Waihou substation, and from thence to Paerpa, thus cutting out the mountain section of Waikino which has been the source of much trouble.; also the reconstruction of the 50,000-volt line from the half-way house to Horahora, replacing the metallic cross-arms with wood. These works, together with the bringing in of the new sub-station at Matamata,' will greatly improve the supply which the board is receiving from the Public Works Department. At the same time, your board has not been unmindful of the duty it owes to the consumers in improving and perfecting its own system, and with this end in view the following works hhve been completed : — : “Two cables have been carried across the Waihou River on the Kopu bridge, connecting the system on the eastern and western sides of the river. Six cubicles have been installed in the Kerepechi sub-station, and five feeders have been taken from there to the different sections of that district in place of the two feeders operating • during the previous year. Two fresh feeders have been taken from the Waihou sub-station, and five feeders from the new sub-station at Matamata. Many trees have been removed and high hedges cut. Several new switches have been installed, and everything possible has been done to give better services generally. After many months of waiting the first unit at Arapuni is running, and will in a very short time be generating power for Auckland, thus releasing the Horahora station for the supply of power to the South Auckland boards. This will be followed by two other units at Arapuni at about three months’ intervals. A fourth unit has also been ordered. These should meet all requirements for some time to come.

“Though we have passed through anxious times the future promises well, and I am confident that the improved service will so encourage the use of electricity in homes, farms, and factories that it will.be necessary to continue the work, of development at Arapuni continuously until the station reaches its maximum of eight units, or 120,000k.w. “In conclusion I wish to thank the members of the board for the wholehearted co-operation and the thorough manner in which they have attended to the interests of the board ; to the officers and staff I wish to express my appreciation of the splendid services rendered during a period of exceptional difficulties; and to the members of the Press, my thanks for the careful and impartial manner in which they have always reported the meetings of the board. > “I feci that I cannot let this opportunity pass without referring to the great loss the Public Works Department and the country , generally' have suffered by the death of Mr J. W. Swaney, officer in charge at Arapuni, and a man of sterling worth, who not only won the confidence of his superior officers but also the confidence and respect of those who worked under him.” .