ELECTRIC POWER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 July 1942, Page 5

ELECTRIC POWER

TARARUA BOARD EARTHQUAKE AND FLOOD. STAFF SERVICES APPRECIATED. (“Times-Age” Special.) At the monthly meeting of the Tararua Electric Power Board, held at Pahiatua, there were present Messrs P. Davies (chairman), J. B. Carruthers, J. G. Brechin, W. Britland, T. Fouhy, A. W. Bisset, E. W. Cheetham, S. J. Judd, C. T. Richardson, L. Johnston, C. H Parsons. On account of military duties Mr P. S. Page, Eketahuna, forwarded his resignation as a member of the board as the representative of the Borough of Eketahuna. The resignation was received with regret, the chairman remarking that Mr Page had proved himself a very valued , member and one who filled his position faithfully and well and with exceptional keenness. The Eketahuna Borough Council wrote advising that Mr C. H. Parsons' had been appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Mr Page’s resignation. The chairman extended a welcome to Mr Parsons and hoped that his term on the board would be a happy one. Mr Parsons suitably replied, thanking the chairman for his welcome and kind remarks. The secretary-treasurer apologised to the board for not having the financial statement and his monthly report ready for the meeting owing to a state of affairs brought about firstly by the disorganisation following the earthquake and secondly by the disorganisation brought about by the flood at Pahiatua. Members appreciated the difficulties which had arisen and accepted a verbal report in which it was stated that following on a decision reached at the special emergency meeting of the board held on June 29 most of the books, papers and records had been transferred to Pahiatua. Two of the office staff had been left at Eketahuna to carry on the necessary work there in a small iron building which had previously been used as a store which had now beep converted into a very comfortable office. The remainder of the office staff were now carrying on their duties at the Pahiatua office and had just settled down when the flood caused another interruption. During the height of the flood the premises were completely surrounded by water but owing to the prompt action taken by Mr Ford, the maintenance engineer at the Pahiatua end, the doorways were bagged in time to prevent the water from flowing through the building. A certain amount oi seepage could not be prevented with the result that a part of the showroom floor was covered to a depth of one inch. Part of the main office and back store were slightly affected but water to the depth of two inches covered the floor in the secretary’s room with the result that for the second time within three weeks he had to move into other quarters. No damage was done to stocks, books, or records, but all floor covering had to be taken up and dried out. A resolution was passed placing on record the sincere thanks of the board to the staff, local organisations and others in safeguarding the board’s property, and helping to maintain its service.

It was decided when the £2,000 loan money at present on fixed deposit with the Bank of New Zealand fell due in September to invest it in National Savings Bonds for five years at 3 per cent. The W.W.S.A. canteen and Red Cross depot, Pahiatua. applied for electricity, at a reduced rate. It was agreed to charge them l’/ad per unit with a monthly minimum of 2s 6d. The school dental clinic at Pongaroa wrote asking to be allowed to have the electricity consumed by them at S’/ad’ jer unit. This was agreed to. A letter was received from J. R. Berney, Ltd., Eketahuna, alleging that the arrangement made after the earthquake was that the board would occupy the premises formerly used by them until the main Tararua Electric Power Board building had been repaired. The secretary renorted that he had replied disclaiming liability on behalf of the board, and drawing attention to governmental provision dealing with such matters. His action was endorsed. The chairman reported that the architect appointed by the board had made an inspection of the premises in Eketahuna. The chairman said that he judged from the remarks passed by the architect that it would be impossible to save the building except at a prohibitive cost. A committee was formed consisting of Messrs P. Davies. J. B. Carruthers, W. Britland, S. J. Judd and the two executive officers to deal with the reoort when it was received, with full power to act.

Mr Cheetham stated that although he was not present at the special meetting held on June 29, wheh a resolution was passed placing on record thanks and appreciation to the staff for their loyalty and devotion to duty during the emergency following the earthquake lie would like to be associated with the resolution, and knew that he could also express the. thanks of the consumers in the Mauriceville County. He considered that the engineer-manager, Mr Fraser, and his staff had done splendid work.