ELECTRICITY ON THE FARM.

Shannon News, 24 March 1922, Page 3

ELECTRICITY ON THE FARM.

WHAT IT COSTS IN THE NORTH

In view of the operations of the Power Board and the prospect of electricity from Alangahao soon being made available all over the Horowhenua- district, farmers will doubtless lie interested to learn how the scheme operates in relation to farmers in Hie northern districts connected with the Hora Hora Works. Air P. W. Goldsmith, secretary of 'the ITorowhenua Board, was in Hamilton recently gathering information that might be of 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 Air Goldsmith in a subsequent report to his Board, “and is fitted with the necessary belting and gear. The power for the separator, for heating water, and for lighting is supplied by a 2h.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 60 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 distance from fhe road. It was stated that oil for fhe engine previously installed on this farm cost the owner £SO 'per year. “Inquiry as to 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 be paid in instahnenis —time, ibrae years, with interest at bank rate.”