OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 July 1939, Page 2

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

POWER SUPPLY FAILURES (To the Editor.) gj r —The many recent local cut-outs of electric current call for comment, as it appears to (he writer that this district in general and Masterton in particular, arc in for a series of serious disruptions, if the reticulation — i.e., linos and transformers —is not very soon put in order. Several years ago I had cause to call the attention (through the Press) of the powers that be to the continued low pressure (voltage) then existing. This was submitted to the Secretary-Manager of the Power Board who applied the whitewash brush, but did not do anything to rectify the complaint. Since then matters have got progressively worse, iuntil now wo have a system that is (tremendously overloaded and consequently cannot continue to function with any degree of continuity. This vitally affects all consumers.

some more than others, for almost everv building in Masterton is coupled to the lines. Some of the results of these defects, however, are not apparent to the average user. Let me explain one. Take, for example, the water-heating elements—these are charged per kilowatt annum. These elements are manufactured to give the required wattage at the standard pressure of 2.30 vol Is, and wattage is obtained by multiplying volts by amps. Therefore if the voltage falls the wattage falls, but the wattage falls far more than the voltage drop would indicate to the average user, owing to a corresponding decrease in amps, so that when the voltage is below standard the consumer is paying for current that he does not receive.

According to the Public Works Act the standard single phase A.C. voltage in New Zealand is 230 volts and py the same Act power authorities are required to keep within 5 per cent of this figure. In Masterton, the voltage has been as low as 190 and this, while not common knowledge, is well known by radio service men and electricians. All the members of our Power Board are fine fellows, and for good citizens would take a lot of beating, but they are sleeping on top of a volcano, and I trust that they will awaken before it blows up. This letter is written in the best spirit by one who has no axe to grind, but who knows that things are not as they should be. — Yours, etc.. VOLTAGE. Masterton, July 10. The following comments on the above letter were made by the SecretaryManager of the Wairarapa Power Board (Mr George Brown): — "Judging by results over a long period of years, it must be admitted that the board has successfully carded out its policy of giving the best service possible over its very widespread area, including, of course, continuity of supply and a minimum of interruptions. There is no cause to fear that this record is likely to be spoilt. Various difficulties and problems are anticipated and dealt with as they come along, and a substantial margin for future increases in load is allowed for in all construction and reconstruction work.

During the past two or three years there has been a phenomenal increase in the load, due, of course, to the extended use of electricity for all purposes. This is necessitating a good deal of reconstruction throughout the district, which work is being dealt with as required. With the exception of two or three localities where reconstruction work has already been arranged for, we do not know of any district where the voltage is below the standard required by the Public Works Regulations. Your correspondent is very general in his remarks. If he will let us know of any particular cases where trouble is being experienced, we shall be very glad to investigate, and, if necessary, remedy.”

■ THE PRICE OF MILK (To the Editor.) Sir, —Are the people of Masterton aware that the ruling price of milk in Carterton is sixpence per quart. In face of this fact, what justification have the Masterton milkmen for charging sevenpence per quart. It rather looks as though they were exploiting the public and it is very hard on children, elderly people and invalids, as in many cases the extra price is more than they can afford, and consequently they have to do with a smaller quantity than they really require. Trusting that this may result in Masicrton milkmen making an early reduction in their charge (the summer price of milk in Carterton is 5d per quart).*lt am. etc, . Masterton. July 11. PUZZLED. This correspondence is closed, subject to the right of reply.—Ed.