ELECTRICITY EXTENSIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 698, 25 June 1929, Page 7

ELECTRICITY EXTENSIONS

POWER FOR COUNTRY DISTRICTS BROOKBY AND WHITFORD Residents of Brookby and Whitford will soon have electrical service in their homes. Extension of tbe power lines to these districts was decided upon by the Auckland Power Board yesterday after considering a petition appealing for the reticulation of the Whitford area. The canvasser who circulated the petition stated that he found the settlers too willing to append their names. The general manager submitted an estimate showing that the total estimated cost was £II,OOO and the total return £3OO per annum. “The board can, if desired, demand a guarantee to cover interest and sinking fund on the capital outlay,” declared the chairman, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth. In view of the extent of the hoard’s operations he considered that the Brookby and Whitford areas should be assisted. This board would, perhaps, be more justified in extending lines to those areas than some other hoards which had become involved in difficulties by undertaking extensions of unprofitable lines. Moving that the extensions be undertaken, Mr. E. H. Potter said that the board had to supply electricity to the whole area and he claimed that both the inner and outer portions of the district should be treated alike. Mr. J. Park made a strong plea for extension of the service to Maraetai, where there were 140 houses.

The general manager, Mr. Bartley, announced that provision was being made on the transformer of the Brookby and Whitford extensions to take the line to Maraetai.

“Looking at the position broadly I think we should see the people in the back country are supplied before we start reducing the rates in the city,” declared the chairman. The motion authorising the Whitford and Brookby extensions was carried unanimously.