ELECTRIC POWER.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 53, 4 March 1925, Page 9

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) TB AROHA, Tuesday. The monthly meeting of the Thames Vailey Electric Tower Board was held in Te Aroha to-day. The chairman, Mr. b . II Claxton, presided. The Paeroa Chamber of Commerce wrote «o follows: —"The subject of the nonconsumers' rate was brought up at a recent meeting of this chamber, and It was decided to write to you protesting against the levying of the £1 minimum rate on separate divisions occupied as one holding, as this chamber considers such levying to be contrary to the spirit of section 4, and particularly sub-section 3 and 4, of the Electric Tower Board Amendment Act, It was decided to inform the chamber that Its contention was correct. Mr. F. E. Flatt, the Paeroa Borough Council's representative on the Power Boarfi, gave notice of the following resolution : -That, in view of the Injustice that would be inflicted upon many consumers and non-coiisumers under the Act as It now- exists, the further operation and collection of the availability rate be deferred until the Power Boards' Conference and the House of Representatives has had an opportunity of reviewing tbe position." Walton Telephone.—The Telegraph Department wrote refusing an all-night connection for the foreman at Wnlton. The letter pointed out that arrangements could be made for Walton subscribers to be grouped to a resident In close proximity to the Walton post office, which in turn could readily secure the attention of the troubleman at Matamata through the postmaster at Walton. At the Matamata end the troubleman might be connected to the Walton circuit after the Minamata exchange closes. Request for Lights.—The Hauraki Plains County Council wrote stating that it had decided to instal two lights in each of the townships of Waitakaruru, Pipiroa, and Netherton. and also maintain two existing lights in the townships of Ngatea and Kerepeehi. The board was asked to arrange for one of its men to call so that he might receive instructions. Referred to enginers.

Troublemen's Cottages.—The engineer-ln-chief telegraphed that the Minister had approved of the erection of dwellings in two properties already purchased by the board, and the purchase of three other properties for the erection of other dwellings.

Finance.—The special finance committee reported as follows : —"We recommend tnan the chairman's action ln remitting the £10,500 through the New Zealand Mines Trust be endorsed." " T.'e recommend that the sum of £1545 be paid to the engineers, Messrs. Gauvain and McLeod. in termination at March 31, 1925, of their agreement with the board." '-We recommend that Mr. Gauvain be appointed consulting enginer to the board at a retaining fee of 50 guineas per annum, commencing April 1, 1925." The report was adopted, and the members accorded eulogistic remarks to the engineers for their skill aud capabilities during their service with the board. It was resolved that the board member, accord a complimentary social to Messrs. Gauvain and McLeod at the conclusion of the April meeting.

Accounts. — Accounts totalling £4507 13/1 on the Power Board account, and £40<56 5/5 on the loan account, wfte passed for paymait.