WAIRERE POWER BOARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 195, 7 November 1927, Page 2

WAIRERE POWER BOARD

PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT Tl l e monthly meet ing of the Wairere Electric-Power Board was held at Pio Pio on Friday last, there being presessrs. E. Tolme, chairman. C. K. \\ llson, G. F. Nelson, P. D. Smvtli C. J. Riddle, M. A. McKenzie and F. R. Harvey, engineer-manager. The Electric-Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association of New Zealand outlined a scheme for the grouping of insurances for power boards, with the object of obtaining more favourable rates, and asking whether, in the event of successful negotiations with any particular office, the board would be in favour of joining in the scheme. It was decided to fall in line with the proposal. Insulator Test.—The NTew Zealand Insulators, Ltd., Temuka, wrote regarding an insulator forwarded by the engineer for test after it had been struck by lightning. It was thought that the insulator had been punctured but the letter stated the insulator had been subjected to a flash-over test and had not punctured. This was satisfactory, and the company stated that the insulator was being retained as an interesting exhibit. Satisfaction wras expressed by the engineer at the fact of its being of local manufacture. The board’s action in refunding £IOO in rates, which had been levied as a special rate, caused considerable discussion. According to the Rating Act, rates levied by a local body could not oe refunded, and the board was therefore at a loss to how their action could be made legal. It was decided that the Auditor-General be written to and advised that the board was communicating with the member for Waitomo, Mr. J. C. Rolleston, soliciting the latter’s direction in legalising the board’s action. Hire of Electrical Appliances.— Considerable discussion took place regarding the proposal brought forward by Mr. Riddle to raise money for the purpose of purchasing electrical equipment for consumers, which might be hired at a rate that would materially increase the consumption of the board current. Mr. Riddle’s project was to utilise the board’s surplus power and increase revenue. Mr. Tolme reported the result of an interview with the manager of the Bank of New Zealand on the subject of an advance for this purpose. While in some measure commending the scheme, the manager thought that difficulty would be encountered with the Local Government Loans Board. Cr. C. K. Wilson stated the position was: firstly, the board must create more consumption: or, secondly, cut down cost of consumption: or. thirdly, strike a rate. Mr. Riddle suggested a canvass of consumers regarding an extension of time for repayment, or, as an alternative, the hiring of the equipment, which would remain the board’s property. The engineer pointed out that depreciation would have to be taken into consideration. In reply to a question, Mr. Riddle said the charge should remain as at present with a maximum charge for domestic purposes. The charges were not objected to by consumers, but the cost of electrical equipment was considered too high. The following resolution was eventually carried: “That the board make ; a canvass of consumers to ascertain ! what additional demand could be ob- ' tained by the board in supplying con- [ summg devices on hire, or alternatively, on hire-purchase, with pay- ! ments extending over a period of seven years.”