STORM DAMAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 9

STORM DAMAGE

POWER’S BOARD LOSS STAFF COMPLIMENTED “Widespread damage to lines and interruptions to supply were caused by the storms on January 15, 16 and 17, the storm affecting the whole of the board’s area,” said Mr. H. Webb, engineer, in his report at yesterday’s meeting of the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board. "The most serious fault occurred when the board’s 11,000-volt line from Okoia to Eastown was blown into contact with the Public Works Department’s main 110,000-volt line. This resulted in serious damage to the switchgear at the substation and also cleared many fuses in the Wanganui East and Okoia districts. At the substation two feeder switches were damaged.

"Over the whole area 37 poles fell during the gale, of which 15 were service poles, and one a hardwood pole on the Okoia-Marton main 11,000 line.

"The great majority of faults were due to lines contacting and blowing fuses, and in many cases burning the wires sufficiently to cause them to break. "I would estimate the cost of the storm damage, including loss of revenue, to be about £750. Of this amount £l3O was paid in overtime for work on three days.”

"I have nothing but appreciation for the splendid services of the outside staff during the storm,” said the chairman, Mr. F. Purnell. "They worked all night and faced up to the task cheerfully. I have heard many complimentary comments from country districts concerning the way the staff worked to restore interrupted services.”

On the motion of Mr. H. Lawrence, the board decided to place on record and convey to the staff its appreciation of its services in such a time of emergency.