ELECTRIC POWER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1939, Page 9

ELECTRIC POWER

MEETING OF WAIRARAPA BOARD. INCREASE IN REVENUE. There was again a satisfactory increase in the revenue for the month of September reported Mr Geo Brown, secretary-manager of the Wairarapa Electric Power Board at today’s board meeting at Carterton. The net revenue from sales of electricity increased by £375, and the estimate was exceeded by £135. The net revenue for September, 1938, was £5061 and for September, 1939, £5436, the gain on the estimate being £135. '■For the first six months of the year, the position was as follows. Net revenue, April/ September, 1938, £28,935; estimate, April/September, 1939, £30,755; actual revenue, April/September, 1939, £32,628. Gain on last year, £3692; gain on estimate, £1873. So far, the position in connection with the trading department was satisfactory. It did appear as if the turnover during the balance of the year would show a substantia] reduction. Difficulty was being experienced in procuring materials and appliances, and this, of course, would affect sales. The estimated profit for the year, was £2395. For the first six months of the year, and excluding the trading department, the gain on the estimate was approximately £4OO. The capital expenditure for the first six months of the year amounted to £BB7l. During September 24 new consumers were connected to the system making the total number of consumers 5966. The necessary authority had been received from the electricity controller for the loop line to Masterton in its modified form to be erected. Three transformers were purchased from Wellington stocks, and the balance of the materials had been ordered. Applications had also been submitted to the controller for authority to proceed with four short extensions and seven reconstructions jobs. The extensions would cost £351, and the additional revenue, most of which was guaranteed, would more than cover the expenditure. The reconstruction work which was necessary to supply appliances installed by existing consumers would cost £739, and the additional revenue would, in the meantime, amount to approximately £54 per annum only. Stocks of both installation and line materials in New Zealand appeared to be low, and there did not appear to be any definite information available as to when fresh stocks would be available. The chief engineer, Mr H. B. Keenan, reported that the alteration to the Board’s lines at Penrose and East Taratahi Road to allow for the new 110,000 volts Government line crossing were now ready for reconstruction. The street lighting circuits to supply the State housing block, Cornwall Street, Masterton had been almost completed. “The 11,000 volt extension from Matarawa to Kuratawhiti Street. Greytown, had been completed and livened. The voltage regulation in this area was now up to the proper standard. The further 11,000 volt extension from Kuratawhiti to Wood Street was being undertaken meantime. The low tension in Humphries Street. Greytown, had been reconstructed for a distance of 8 chains to supply power for all purposes to the new State houses. During the month, the inspection department carried out a total, of 181 inspections, including 24 new installations, 101 additions and alterations, 21 radio sets, 8 sundry appliances. 2 temporary installations and 26 second inspections. CONSUMERS’ DEPOSITS. Having given notice of motion, Mr J. W. Colquhoun moved and Mr J. C. Holmes seconded: “That where consumers’ deposits have been held by the board for a period of seven years the deposit be returned excepting in those cases where trouble has been experienced in collecting the consumers’ account.” The motion was carried unanimously. The Prime Minister acknowledged receipt of a resolution passed at the last meeting of the board containing an offer of co-operation in connection with the present international situation.