ELECTRICITY ON THE FARM.

Otaki Mail, 29 March 1922, Page 1

ELECTRICITY ON THE FARM.

WHAT, IT COSTS IN THE NORTH

In view ol the operations ol the Power Hoard and the prospect ol eleoirieity from Mangaiiao soon being made available all over the Horowlienua district, fanners will doubtless be interested t.o learn how the scheme operates in relation to farmers in the northern districts connected with the Hora llora works. Mr P. W. Goldsmith, secretary of the Horowhenua Board, was in Hamilton recently gathering information that might be oi value in this district, and while there he took the opportunity of visiting a dairy farm where a complete electrical installation had been made.

“It comprises an eight-cow milking plant,” said Mr Goldsmith in a subsequent report to his Board, “and ts fitted with the necessary belting and gear. The power for the separator, for heating water, and for lighting is supplied by a tiii.p. motor. The hous° is also supplied with all necessary lights, an ironing point, and a small stove. The cost to the farmer is somewhere between £3O and £35 per annum. The herd would consist of some CO or 70 cows, Inquiries as to the cost of installation showed that with alterations to shafting the cost of the outfit, was £73, including the house. The engineer put the average farmer's installation from £SO to £BO, and perhaps £IOO for an unusual disfance from the road. It was stated that oil for the engine previously in stalled on this farm cost the owner £SO per year. “Inquiry as 1o any help given by the Board for installations where the cost bore hardly on the farmers disclosed the fact that where the cost was over £lO the Board would allow | the amount to bo paid in instalments —time, three years, with interest at. bank rate.”