ELECTRIC POWER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 September 1942, Page 5

ELECTRIC POWER

TARARUA BOARD OLD DEBATE RESUMED. (“Times-Age” Special.) At the monthly meeting of the Tararua Electric Power Board, held at Pahiatua, the engineer recommended the Board not to instal further, water heating apparatus unless it could be controlled by pilot wire or a change over switch connected to an electric range, with the object of transferring the midday load. Power was supplied to the Board per quarter according to the peak load, resulting in a loss ol' £360 per quarter. Mr Cheetham fell radiators, not water heaters, created the peak, but Mr Fraser explained that 56 per cent of the power bought in New Zealand was used for heating water. Mr Carruthers said farmers would not voluntarily refrain from using water units at midday, and the (engineer said only four consumers had co-operated; the rest had good causes such as scalding pigs, etc. After a lengthy discusion the report was adopted. The old debate concerning the demolition of the Eketahuna building was resumed for the third successive month and again referred back to the committee set up in July. Some fittings had already been sold. Mr L. Johnston, a Board member, was debarred by statute from accepting such a large contract, despite the Board’s wish that he carry out the work.

It was decided to approve the abandonment of a 1942 Power Board Conference.

It was moved by Mr Brechin, and seconded by Mr Judd, that the £2oo' now dormant be diverted into the General Account as a prelude to reinvestment. Mr Bisset objected, and Mr Elmes said it would mean a tag on the balance sheet. Mr Brechin withdrew his resolution. On Mr Bisset’s motion it was decided to place the money in a war loan with the right to withdraw should the Joan be floated at a rate lower than the last one.