ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1919, Page 7

ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT.

ENGINEER'S MONTHLY REPORT

The electrical engineer (Mr. R. H. Bartlcv) states in his monthly report (ihat the mileage run by the New Plymouth trams for the past month was •55683; revenue per car mile, 15.67 d; mssengers carried, 141,896; passengers > er "fir mile, 9.10; average fare per pas<engcT, 1.71 d; total fares, £lOll 6s sd. ! The mileage run by the cars during the month has been reduced by 868 miles in I comparison with February, 1918, and this is entirely due to the decreased service on the Mortey Street section. The 'amount of fares received on this section had also decreased by £ll. However, the traffic which was credited to this route between Egmont Street and Eliot Street is now going on to the main route, with the result that,the combined figures show an increase of £3l 3s 8d as compared with February, 1918, and further there is a decrease in running costs due to the reduced mileage, and a saving of approximately £2B on the month on labor. i

The demand for lighting and power supply is still maintaining a good averRSe.'the applications received during February being 14. The number of new consumers connected is 14, and the additions made to existing installations 5. The new set at power-house is now installed, and working up to its full capacity. There are certain matters in connection with the turbine thrust bearing that will require to be altered. The oil capacity of the bearing is not sufficient to keep the temperature within safe limits. We are, however, using the set, as we cannot possibly do without it, and I have had a temporary arrangement fitted to circulate the oil through water cooler until euch time as the contractors can supply a new bearing. This matter is covered under the maintenance clause in our contract, and there is ample money in retention to secure the Council.

This machine was not put into operation any too soon, and has had to jump on to full load conditions right away. It was necessary to close down after midnight on Saturday last, on account of tho water screens in the forebay becoming jammed and also to clean out the forebay. I found on inspection that Ithe screens have deteriorated considerably, especially the one on the west side, [there being two teles large enough for a man to crawl through in the back of this screen. The cost of replacing same 'will not be very excessive, as the original screens with frame work, rollers, etc., cost £159 and in this instance only the screens are required. Of course the proportional cost will be somewhat higher now, but the function they perform is of utmost importance. ELECTRIC BUS. The electric bus service to Westown and Vogeltown was put into operation on the 11th inst, on a temporary timetable, which will be varied from time to time, with the object of serving the districtfl to tiie best advantages.