ELECTRIC POWER.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 244, 5 July 1928, Page 5

ELECTRIC POWER.

I THAMES VALLEY BOARD. V J f The June Meeting. V f The monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board was field on Tuesday, Mr. F. Strange presiding. Those present were: Messrs. P. E. Flatt, J. Price, J. W. Anderson, ST. B. Thomas, C. A. Arthur, G. Howie, E. M: Corbett, H. R. Bush, J. McCortnick, W. E. G. Willy, j Peak Loading. ' The District Electrical Engineer, JPublic Works Department, Hamilton, wrote asking what arrangements the board was making to obtain halfhourly readings of k.v.a. for the 'dairy factories. If satisfactory arrangements could not be made the factories should be cut off for two hours at night and two hours in i the morning during the board’s peak ■'*’ Until proper metering gear was in- . stalled. * The matter was referred to the engineer. Three-party Agreement. The New Zealand Co-op. Dairy Co. forwarded correspondence which had ! passed between the company and the Public Works Department relative to the power accounts covering the three-party agreements supply during April.—Referred to the manager for "the board’s information, j Patetonga Lights.

The Hauraki Plains County Council wrote asking the board to instal a Tight at Evans’ store and one outside "the public hall at Patetonga.—Referred to engineer. Request for Troubleman. The Patetonga Ratepayers’ Association wrote asking the board to consider stationing a troubleman at Patetonga, as the roads were becoming too bad for motor traffic. It A was also pointed out that a number of settlers who were working from transformers on the Top road were having excessive fusing of electric bulbs, thfe' writer himself having had six bulbs fuse in a short period. The maniager said that service was v being given from Springdale and another troHbleman at Patetonga could not be entertained. The matter of the fusing Of lights was being investigated. ... „ Damage to Footpaths. ’ The board’s Paeroa depot forwarded a list»showing a total of 50 poles which had been erected through the Asphalt footpaths on the streets of Waihi. The patching of the foot--paths had been done in most cases "with tar and sand when the paverment had been toprdressed. In about one dozen, places chips and tar had been used. So far as the Waihi borough counqil’s claim for damages amounting to £ls was concerned it would be better to settle with the business at once. The engineer said the distribution engineer at Paeroa was preparing a further report. Pending the receipt of further information no action was taken. Liability for Storm Damage. The board’s solicitor submitted a llengthy opinion regarding the liability of the board for expense involved in damage to power lines when the Te Aroha A. and P. Society’s shed was blown away. The solicitor said that if it could be proved the building was dilapidated or in bad repair the society would be liable, but if the accident were an act of God no claim could be made. Charges for Power.

An Auckland firm wrote with reference to a revision of the board’s method of charging for power used in driving a half-horse power motor for use in connection with the firm’s - make of milking machine-. In the opinion of the firm it was considered not altogether fair for a farmer -who was using such a low horsepower -to have to pay as though he was using a much larger motor. It was stated that the matter -would be considered when power charges were under review.

Over Charging at Putaruru. ' Referring to a complaint by the Piitaruru Town Board of overcharging" for power, the manager said that the trouble had been due to troublemen reading the meter, and they -could not be relied upon. A permanent meter reader had now been ap--pointed. He anticipated the position would improve. Mr. Anderson said there was some cause for complaint if the summer •charges were higher than winter, there being fewer bookings. The matter was referred to the manager. General. The resignation of Miss Granger,

a typist, was received, and the board decided to grant Miss Granger herholidays, which were not due for six months, and give her a testimonial, in view of her past services to the board. Accounts amounting to £5207 2s 7d on the power fund and £2339 12s f i on the loan fund account were passed for payment. The chairman, deputy-chairman, manager and engineer were deputed to represent the board at the annual conference of Power Boards.