FRANKLIN ELECTRIC SCHEME

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 490, 15 July 1919, Page 2

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC SCHEME

F. U< Inspection A fresh interest was created in this scheme on the 7th inst. when the executive of the Farmers' Union Sub-Provincial District accepting an invitation from Mr Wyatt the Pukekohe Borough Electric Engineer visited the power house. Before proceeding there, however, they called at Messrs Beatty and Marshall's butchery and viewed the large motor, which this firm installed to drive their freezer. Formerly an 8 B H.P. kerosene engine which is uow standing unused, was employed for this work, but this progressive firm preferred the cleanliness and simplicity of electricy, besides they found it more economical. It appealed to the farmers present, how simply the motor was started. There was no oil lamp required to heat the plate, no cranking and priming, no back firing, a button was pressed and a switch moved and 8 B.H.P. of energy was at once released. It was so simple a child could do it. Another call was made to the Town Clerk's office where' there was on exhibition yarious devices for simplifying woman's work in the home. Heater and toasters were demonstrated, also a washing machine where by pressing a button the clothes could be washed or put through a wringer with very little effort on the part of the washerwoman.

After leaving the Town Clerk's office the party proceeded to the power house where a thorough inspection of the suction gas plant was made, which consists of two engines 55 and 60 B.H.P. Various questions were asked by members of the party and answered by Mr Wyatt. One reply stated that the proposed new engines for the larger scheme would possibly be fom 800 to 1000 B.H.P. One member raised the question of the hydro electric scheme and asked if the engines would not have to be scrapped when it came through. In reply the engineer stated that the Government was now insisting on a duplicate plant with hydro electricity. He instanced cases where both at Christchurch and the Tairoa Falls at Whangarei break downs on the main line had left the town in darkness ;so that any work at present done in the Franklin electric area would still form part of the Government hydro electric scheme. Mr Mellsop, the president, then moved a vote of thanks to Mr Wyatt, which was carried by acclamation.