ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5497, 6 November 1929, Page 4

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. MONTHLY MEETING. At the usual meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board held yesterday Mr F. M. Strange (chairman) presided over Messrs. J. M. Allen, J. W. Anderson, C. A. Arthur, H. M. Corbett, F. E. Flatt, J. McCormick, J. Pohlen, J. Price, H. E. Torr, N. G. McLeod (engineer), and R. Sprague (manager). High Tension Line.

Mr A. E. Brooks, of Okaiau, wrote stating that he understood it was the board’s intention to continue a high tension line across his paddock, in place of a low tension one. He asked, in view of prize cattle using the paddock, and the terrific gales at times experienced in the district, that some, extra precaution be taken. The manager stated he had" written in reply that every care would be taken, and that the board would be liable for everything within legal limits. On the subject of the latter Mr Price said that the district mentioned was certainly a very windy one, Mr McLeod concluding the discussion by remarking that the board had practically no trouble with the type of wire brought under notice. Faulty Meter. Three letters on the meter question were before the meeting. W. J. O’Brien wrote asking for* an allowance on a faulty nieter which he had to have changed. J. P. Jensen, Morrinsville, asked what the difference in cost under the meter system would be; if higher, many settlers would withdraw. He stated his surprise that the board was going to break the conditions under which the power was installed. Settlers who had had meters installed found the charges higher, and were very dissatisfied. The writer assumed that if the Power Board could break its contract with consumers, then the consumers could do likewise.

J. Leonard, Rawerawe, wrote that it was rumoured that meter-reading in sheds had to be multiplied by three. He asked if this was correct, for if it was so he would have to readjust his engine as the power would be too expensive. He asked what was the reason, if the rumour was correct, of multiplying by three. The writer also asked if the board could sell, or take back, his electric stove, as it was far too expensive to use under present conditions. It was in use only until such time as when he would put back his coal stove. He considered the board had been guilty of a breach of contract with former consumers, as it had allowed them to buy electrical conveniences they would not have thought of buying had the board previously expressed its intention of eventually installing meters. He thought it was up to the board to make its charges so that they would not exceed the flat rate charge, in order to avoid this responsibility. On this subject the engineer explained that all meters were tested before they were sent out. If not correct within one per cent, they were withdrawn. The Public Works Department regulations called only for 2 i per cent. It happened occasionally that through transportation the meters started to crack ; if this was so they were immediately adjusted. Cancellation of Power. The Elstow School Committee requested that as the lighting costs at the school were excessive for the power used—£3 per annum for six or eight meetings—the power be disconnected. The chairman intimated that one nart of the lighting in question was the school and the other across the •oad in the hall. The school was not •nxious to have the light. Mr Flatt suggested that several schools and churches had objected to the charges, and he considered that there must be some better means of dealing with the institutions. Mr Strange stated that the matter would come under consideration shortly as to the charges paid by churches, schools, and country halls. Mr Torr asked what was the cost of maintenance, and whether meters in these cases could be examined only once or twice a year. The chairman replied that the questions raised would have to be considered. Mr McLeod said that the charge for reading meters came to the same amount in any case. Mr Flatt suggested the reduction of reading to half-yearly. It was eventually decided to leave the subject for review. Kerepeehi Sub-station.

The Public Works Department, Hamilton, intimated that in connection with the Kerepeehi sub-station, in accordance with present practice and clause 8 of the agreement to be entered into covering supply from this sub-station, the board would be called upon to pay an annual rental for that part of the sub-station occupied by its switchgear of 10 per cent, of the cost of such portion. The total cost of the buildings at Kerepeehi, including garage and attendant’s cottage, was £3BOB 11s lOd, and the cost of the switch-room £872 Is Bd. Of the seven panels in the switch-room the board owned six. The annual rental, therefore, would be 10 per cent, of six-sevenths of £872 Is Bd—£74 15s. It was requested that two copies of this letter be signed and returned, signifying agreement. The engineer stated that the figures should be checked before the board agreed. The manager said that such charges had never been, paid before. Mr Strange’s suggestion that the engineer should go into the matter and report at the next meeting was agreed to, Mr Flatt stating that in his opinion the department had no right to charge at all.