ELECTRIC POWER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1941, Page 7

ELECTRIC POWER

WAIRARAPA BOARD MEETS INCREASE IN CONNECTED LOAD. FINANCIAL POSITION. (“Times-Age” Special.) “The ordinary net revenue in March was appreciably greater than in March 1940. although the increase was not up to the average experienced during the year and was less than the estimate.” reported the secretary-manager. Mr Geo. Brown, at the monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Electric Power Board held at Carterton today. The financial position was that the actual net revenue last month was £4648 Ils 7d. which represented a gain of £207 18s 4d on March. 1940. but a decrease of £249 8s 8d on the estimate. For the period April, 1940, to March. 1941. the revenue was £67.552 13s 3d, a gain of £5,224 19s lOd on last year and a gain of £466 13s 3d on the estimate.

During March the connected load was increased by 360 kilowatts and included 262 light points. 132 heat points, 32 ranges, 23 water heaters, and 38 motors. The number of consumers' 1 was now 6201, as compared with 6056 last year.

“It is interesting to note that May 8. 1941, is the 21st anniversary of the first meeting of the board,” said Mr Brown. “The Power Board District was constituted by proclamation dated March 23, 1920. The first election was held on Friday. May 7, 1920. It will be noted that Mr Booth is the only one of the original board members .who is still a member., Mr Booth has served continuously for 21 years, which is a very fine (ecord,” concluded Mr Brown. The chief engineer. Mr H. B. Keenan reported on engineering work carried out last month as follows:—

Northern area: In this area. 13 service connections were erected. In the Kopuaranga District all services have been completed. Satisfactory progress has been made with the reconstruction of the L.T. distribution systems in Columba Road. Worksop Road, Bannister and Church Street areas. The street lighting circuits have had the usual maintenance and are working satisfactorily. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get an adequate supply of lamps. A new Mercury Vapour 125 watt street light has been erected at the bridge in Blair Street. Masterton. Central area: In this area 10 services were erected. Wet weather has held up the reconstruction work in the Greytown Borough. Southern area: Four service connections were erected in this area. There were two major interruptions in this area during the month. Stocktaking of all materials and tools in every department had been completed. It is pleasing to again report the satisfactory condition of the tools supplied to the board's employees in every department. Monthly load statistics: This is the first time in the board’s history that 2,000,000 units have been supplied in any one month. The maximum demand is above normal and the units show a fair average increase. This load is satisfactory, although showing a decrease and is due to the increase in the maximum demand for one day only during the last week in March.