POWER EXTENSIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1922, Page 4

POWER EXTENSIONS.

COST OF RETICULATION’. URGENCY OF THE MATTER. ENGINEER TO REPORT. A discussion of interest to the boroughs outside New Plymouth who havo been inquiring for some time past as to when and at what cost electric power would be available from the New Plymouth hydro-electric scheme, took place at the meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council last night. The discussion centred round the question of the cost of reticulation, and when the estimates could be brought before the council. It was eventually decided that the electrical engineer (Mr. jR. H. Bartley) should give the matter his urgent attention, which means that he will drop the work he is at present engaged on with reference to the tramway extensions to Westown and Vogeltown and will report at an early date on the power question. In his monthly report the borough manager (Mr. F. T. Bellringer) said that in August last year he had drawn attention to the fact that nothing had been allowed in the estimates for reticulation lines, meters, etc., which would be required before the output of the plant could be disposed of. A comparatively high amount having been allowed for contingencies in estimating the loan moneys required for the hydroextensions, it was hoped that when the work was finished a balance might be available for reticulation. The returns now showed that little or nothing would be so available. “It is essential,” the report continued, “that the output should be disposed of as as possible after the Works have been completed, in order that the department ‘may be able to meet the interest and other overhead charges on the additional capital invested in the extensions. The council has realised this, and the matter has been discussed on many occasions. Nothing, however, can be done until the report and estimates of the coat of proposed extensions of mains within and without the borouogh have been submitted by the electrical engineer. These reports should not merely deal with applications already received and referred to the electrical engineer, but should embrace all extensions, particularly within the borough, which the engineer considers would give a satisfactory return upon the outlay. When this has been received the council will have some idea of the amount involved, and can decide how it is to be financed. There are many localities in and around the borouogh in which remunerative extensions of the mains could be made, and if it were decided which of these extensions were to be made, many of : the dwellings would be wired and ready to receive the current as soon as it is available. The question of the council launching out in a larger way in regard to wiring and electrical supplies will also require attention.”

Cr. J. Kibby said that next year they would have more power than they could, use, and they must get rid of it. That would mean poles and reticulation expenses, and he asked if the council had money for this, and, if not, were they going to get the money? Cr. T. N. Blackhall said that they would soon have the power and no place to put it. He asked about the Power Board, and if they had nothing from it they shoould look for other sources of revenue for their power. He thought it was time they made other arrangements. Others wanted the power, and if should be given them. Mr. Bartley mentioned that he would be able to give rough estimates almost immediately, but at present he was engaged on the plans and specifications for the Westown tram extensions and the estimates for the Vogeltown tram? way, and it would be five or six weeks before he could give accurate details. Cr. Kibby said it wag the money part' he wanted to know about. Immediately the machine turns out more electricity they should be in a position to give their customers the power and obtain some money to pay the interest. The Mayor: We shall have to go to the public for the money. Cr. Kibby: We should make it an urgent matter and get the figures from the engineer and give them to the public. To his mind the engineer should drop the tramways and get on to the reticulation figures.

Cr. Blackball: I have always been an advocate of the tramway extensions, but they should stand in abeyance till the estimates for reticulation are made. This matter is urgent. Cr. R. A. Large mentioned the Near Eastern trouble and its probable effect on the markets.

Cr. Kibby then moved that the engineer be instructed to give the reticulation his urgent attention.

His motion was seconded by Cr. F. Hill.

Cr. Brown said he was in favour of the motion, but where were they going to get the money? He would like to give the people down the coast and at Waitara some idea of the coat, so that they would know what they would be charged. He was afraid that the people of New Plymouth would not authorise a loan for the purpose. The motion was carried unanimously. Later on a letter from the town clerk of Waitara inquiring as to the progress of the matter of supplying electricity to the borough was received. The letter pointed out that, in the event of satisfactory arrangements being made, it would be no small consideration to his council if the “change over” could be effected before next winter. It was trusted the New Plymouth council’s decision would be expedited as much aa possible to allow of preliminary arrangements being put in hand.

It was decided that the previous discussion covered the matter.