TRAMWAYS AND ELECTRICAL UNDERTAKING.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 February 1917, Page 6

TRAMWAYS AND ELECTRICAL UNDERTAKING.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. Mr. R. H. Bartley, tramways and electrical engineer and manager, in his report on the working of the tramways and electric lighting department for tlie month of January, states: TRAMWAYS. The records for the month of January show a very marked increase over the month of December and over any previous month since the undertaking was started, and I am certain that January will stand as the record month in tlie year's working. The records following show that 153,350 passengers have been carried during the month, an increase of 28,75!) over the month of December. The total amount received in fares is £1.121 7s lOd, an increase of £222 Ids 4d on December figures. Advantage has been taken of the dry weather to make several repairs to the track, mostly in the nature of er-tamping and packing a few lcose sleepers and tightening fish-plates, etc. The service throughout the month has been maintained without interruption, and, generally speaking, the whole equipment is working well. The records are as follow:—Main route: Passengers carried, 138.503; total fares,' £1035 17s 7d. Morley Street: Passengers carried, 14,85G; total fares, £BB 10s 3d. Combined route: Passengers carried, 153,389; total fares, £1124 7s 10d.'

ELECTRIC LIGHTING DEPARTMENT. An uninterrupted : supply lias been maintained throughout the month, and the demand for both lighting and power is steadily increasing. The plant is running very satisfactorily, and with the exception of one incident, which occurred at the latter part of the month, no trouble has been experienced. The incident referred to was due to a. piece of driftwood escaping the screens and entering one of the small turbines. It became wedged in one of the stationary veins and broke it. The machine was dismantled, repaired, and on load again within four hours.

The erection of power mains to the breakwater in connection with the Ironsand CompahyVcontract has been commenced, and''tlie work is practically finished, distribution station and Rainsford Street on the South Road. The painting of the screens in thn foiebay is proceeding as time permits. The river has remained very low during the month, but the supply "of water has been sufficient for present requirements.