INTERFERENCE WITH SWITCHES.

Shannon News, 22 October 1926, Page 1

INTERFERENCE WITH SWITCHES.

POWER BOARD CALLS FOR EXPLANATION. At. Tuesday’s meeting/of the Horowhenua Power Board, the Engineer ( (Mr J. A. Smith) , read the following-spec-ial report: “i have to report that on the morning of the 3rd instant, the inspector, making a mistake in a name, happened to call at a certain milking shed, and in having a look rourfd, found a pieee of home-made apparatus, which •had been put into operation in such a a way as to cause the wafer heater, which was on a change-over rate, to be connected continuously. On enquiry the inspector was informed that it was the habit to use this when the motor was running, and the only excuse the owner could give me, was that hf- considered that he was not getting the water hot enough for • his purpose, on account of the heater being, cut off during milking. I need hardly point out that if this sort of thing became the practice, it would be a very serious matter.” The chairman (Mr Monk) agreed that this was a very serious matter, and one in which the Board would possibly have to take some drastic action. It might not .appear at first sight to the person making the change that he was doing any great wrong, but if this sort of thing bebame universal it might possibly mean that the Board would have a peak created at that time, and the other consumers would be paying, for it. It was a position'which must be at once stopped, as they did not want it to recur. Tire speaker knew that if the case were taken to court the matter would be considered a serious one, but perhaps the consumer in question had not fully realised the seriousness of his action. The chairman suggested that the consumer in question, should have an opportunity of coming before the Board and making an explanation—none had yet been given—and the Board could then decide as to what action it would take. Mr A. J. Petherick: Is it an easy matter for a man to dp that? Could anyone make such an alteration? The Engineer Oh, no. He must know something about it. Mr Petherick: If this thing is likely to go on drastic action must be taken. Mr Kilsby: Will the consumer come before the Board?. The Chairman: If not, there is the Court. Continuing the chairman said these cases were not uncommon in other parts of the Dominion, but it was the first ease known to the Horowhenua Power Board, - and he would like the public to understand that this was to be treated as a very serious matter. J Mr Petherick: This one was apparently .found out quite accidentally, aiid the chances are that he had advised other people. 'Mr. W. H. Gunning concurred that it was a serious matter, to .be dealt, with accordingly. He was not aware who the consumer was, but evidently he/had been put up to a good' bit of profiteering. To bring him before the Board wgs taking a very lenient view of it. .Tn reply to Mr Petherick, the chairman said that the engineer did not think there were very many cases of this descripti qn going on in the Horowhenua district. . It was decided that the consumer in question shall appear before the Board at its next meeting.