ELECTRICITY FOR MAKERUA PLAINS.

Shannon News, 24 May 1929, Page 3

ELECTRICITY FOR MAKERUA PLAINS.

SCHEME TO BE PROCEEDED WITH.

■ A fresh -scheme for the Makerua Plains settlement with electricity was placed before the Horowhciiua Power Board by the Engineer (Mr J. A. Smith) on Tuesday, and it was decided to proceed with the work, provided that a sufficient guarantee of use is forthcoming, which appears to be a certainty.- , The report by the Engineer was as •follows:—On account of the cutting up of- a block of land fronting the northern part of the Makerua-Eangitane Road, the position has changed since this reticulation was last under consideration. Two sections have bee.i taken up and houses milking-sheds are under construction. By extending the E.H.T. line south from the Taue Road, for a distance of about 140 chains, thence L.T. for about 75 chains and about 14 chains down the Tokomaru Road, the present settlers would be served, leaving the loop along the Makerua Road to the Main ShannonTokomaru line to be completed at a future date. *The estimated cost of the extension is about £1147." If the settlers* will take power to 1 the same extent as they previously indicated, the revenue would be about £220 per annum, with a prospect of two or* three farms coming on iu the near future. 1 would ask for authority to proceed -with this line, provided the necessary revenue is obtainable. We have applications froin four settlers who have purchased sections facing the Tana Road; they require power for three ranges, four milking plants, at least four water-lieaters and four lighting installations. The E.H.T. line runs past these sections, but it will be necessary to instal a transformer and run ;the necessary L.T. The Chairman (Mr G. A. Monk) ■said that apparently there had been subdivisions to the north, and it looked as if tho Engineer’s scheme -would serve them /all and that it would be cheaper-as far as the different consumers were concerned.

Mr A. Seifert said he was glad that the Engineer had -gone into this matter. There were ten or eleven settlers and would soon be fourteen of them available as consumers along that road. Now was the time for the reticulation to be commenced, so that the current would be available before the milking season started. If an officer were sent out to canvass the settlers, they would sign a petition immediately. The Engineer stated- that a number of the staff would be interviewing the people jnext day. A resolution was passed giving the Engineer authority to proceeded with the erection of the Rangitane-Makerua branch line, provided that sufficient revenue was guaranteed to meet the Board’s requirements. Mr Seifert indicated that there would be no doubt about securing sufficient consumers.