THE POWER BOARD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 160, 20 April 1942, Page 2

THE POWER BOARD.

REVENUE SHOWS DECREASE. supply to farmers. The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Power Board was held this morning, when the chairman (Mr E. F. Nicoll) presided. Others present were: Messrs \V. H. Woods, W. G. Gallagher, R. J. 'Mulligan, W. Bryant, \V. H. Bundle, H. R. Wilkinson, H. tO. B. Barton, H. Morris, H. J. Crothers, and J. AV. M. Dart. The financial statement showed that revenue for March totalled £6877 12s 4d, this being £4l. Os lid less than that for the same period last year. Revenue for the 12 months ended March 31 totalled £71,888 15s sd, against £67,195 8s for the corresponding period last year. “it would be very difficult to bring down a cut and dried system of rationing electricity,” said the chairman, when asked by Mr Bryant if rationing would bo introduced in this district. It was suggested that the householders might he asked to minimise the use of electricity. It was decided that there be no rationing in the meantime. Referring to some trouble in the Auckland power district regarding the inspection of all installations every live years, the chairman said that although it was impossible in this district to make an examination of all installations every five years, big plants such as those "at woollen mills and factories, were well looked after ana most of them were uhder constant examination. The staff, although depleted, did its utmost to examine as many installations as possible. The Engineer-Secretary (Mr H. G. Kemp) reported that the work of the month was mainly involved in the construction. of supply lines. The waterheating control was extended in Belt Road, Ashburton. The Running-Engineer (Mr A. T. Saunders) reported that units supplied by Pul)lie Works Department had totalled 1,768,800. The faultmen attended to 542 calls during the month. The workshop continued to be kept busy with general repair work. The Inspector (Mr AV. G. A\ r elsh) reported that the wiring department had been fully occupied on installation work. Two electricians had left the Board’s staff in the meantime, and they were carrying oni with reduced staff. The main items attended to were the wiring of installations in connection with war work. Seven new consumers, seventeen ranges, seven water heaters and six motors had been; connected to the supply. The question of farmers endeavouring to get connection for electric power was raised by 'Mr Dart. If it was possible, all assistance possible should be given to farmers, he said. Each year it was becoming harder to get people to stay in the country; they should he given every possible advantage. The electric light alone-was a wonderful advantage. The Engineer-Secretary replied that the position in regard to materials was not good. It was very difficult to get the necessary equipment for connecting new consumers. However, he would look into the matter.