HOROWHENUA ELECTRIC-POWER BOARD.

Shannon News, 19 September 1922, Page 3

HOROWHENUA ELECTRIC-POWER BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING .TO-DAY. The monthly meeting of the Horowhenua Power Board was held in Levin this morning. Present—Messrs Monk (chairman), Brown, Whibley, Barber, Mackay, Seifert, Gunning, Matheson. The Engineer (Mr Overton) and Secretary (Mr Goldsmith) were also present. 'The Minister of Public Works wrote stating that “the ultimate allocation to the, Horowhenua Board when Waikaremoana was developed is 2300h.p. But from Mangahao alone It is estimated that only 1200h.p. will be available, and it is anticipated that the Board will have difficulty in disposing of even this amount within the first, three or four years. I will be glad of your assurance that the Board is likely to be able to take this amount within, say, three years of of .supply.” ■ The Chairman said it was a question for the Board to say whether it was satisfied with that allocation. The Board was in the position of not. knowing exactly what it would require. The Engineer said they could give the assurance asked for that the Board would within the first three or 'our years use its allocation. The chairman said 1200 h.p. in the hands of a man who understood its possibilities could be made a great deal of. The point was that to be successful, the Board must use up 1200 h.p. within the first three years. Mr Matheson agreed with this view. Mr Seifert said it seemed to him that, they would use that amount if the flax industry did not give out. At certain hours the mills would take 800 horsepower, and this would not leave a great, deal for other purposes. Replying to a question the Engineer said the dairy industry would absorb about 300 h.p. apart from the factories.

It was decided to give the Minister the assurance asked for. Mr F. W. Furkert, Engineer-in-chief, Public Works Department, wrote stating a conference of representatives of the Boards already formed would meet in Wellington on September 27, and it was suggested thai/ each Board should be represented by the chairman or a deputy. Other members of the Board would be welcomed, but the discussion would be limited to the representatives. The chairman, secretary and engineer were appointed delegates to the conference.

The Finance Committee recommended that the Engineer’s travelling expenses he fixed at 6d per mile and this was adopted. The Board went into Committee to discuss the finances and the raising of a loan.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

The; Engineer reported as follows:—; Plan of Main Scheme.—During the past month I have investigated and considered the main lay out for the district, and now place the plan before you for approval. Details have to be drawn for different localities and boroughs; these, however, will only he a substantial development ol me principal set forth. At the present time I have these details in progress. Allotment of Power—During the month the chairman and myself visited Wellington to discuss the matter ol power allotted to this district, and the reason why same was reduced. We were informed by the Chief Electrical Engineer that all allotments have been re-arranged, and that we would get:— (a) From Mangahao 1200h.p. ' (b) From Waikaremoana llOOh.p. Tire two allotments make up the original amount promised by the Government to tlxi& district.

In conversation with Mr Coates, the subject of telephone connection lines through this power area was also touched upon, and we received a definite assurance from him that the Telegraph Department would in all

cases where their lines cross and recrossed on roads, change over one side of the road only at their own expense, thus leaving the other side of the road clear for power lines.

Tenders for Supply of Material.— The first matter to be considered in this connection is the purchase of poles, cross-arms and hardware, 100 much attention cannot be given to the selection and care in the pole contract, as bad poles make dangerous overhead lines, cause stoppages in power supply, and may in years to come ruin payable propositions by their short life. The matter is of such importance that I consider that representatives of tills Board should be given the greatest facilities to inquire into: (a.) The forest from which the poles are to be taken; (b) the time of the year most adaptable to felling; (c) the method of inspection by the New South Wales Forestry Department; (d) the arrangements lor shipment, from Australia; (e) the possibility of direct shipment to Foxton; (f) best varieties of ironbark; (g) other hardwoods that may be usable for our purposes.

The magnitude of the first portion of the contract, said the Engineer warrants such inquiries being made, and although cognisant of the travelling expenses entailed, I would recommend that the same be carried out without delay as a most economical proposition. Cross-arms.—This is a contract which will be let at the same time as the one for poles. Line Hardware. —This item consists of braces, bolts and coach-screws. Indent orders could be placed for all this material, and payments arranged against documents in London. The Engineer’s report was adopted, tenders to be called for poles and cross arms immediately and the Board to send representatives to Australia to inspect polls if necessary.