POWER BOARD.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20905, 12 July 1933, Page 4

POWER BOARD.

SPRINGS-ELLESMERE. The members present at the monthly meeting of the Springs-Ellesmere Electric Power Board, held at Leeston on Monday, were Messrs R. T. McMillan (chairman). A. E. Langdale-Hunt, H. Neave, G. Maginness, and E. H. Rowell. The revenue for the month was stated to be £2566 19s Id, the main items being lighting £1307 12s 7d, heating and cooking £741 17s, power £ 830 14s 7d. The profit for tne month was £226 9s 9d. Accounts for payment totalled £4258 18s 4d, the cost of current for the month being £9ll. Replying to questions regarding a decrease in lighting revenue, the engineer said that it was due to the recent alteration in rates. A decrease in revenue from power was attributable to the present being an off-season for some of the consumers. The engineer reported that 74 poles had arrived from Australia and others were on the way. Mr Neave, chairman of the finance committee, reported that the sinking funds for the year had been paid out, the total being £1392 17s. A sum of £2OOO had been placed on fixed deposit. A letter was received from the district electrical engineer, Public Works Department, regarding voltage fluctuations at Wigram Aerodrome. The matter was left for the engineer to deal with.

A circular letter was received from the New Zealand Farmers' Union suggesting that power board engineers should inform farmers as to the best method of earthing wire fences. After discussion it was decided to reply that the board would continue to do all in its .power to prevent accidents.

A copy of the new agreement for linesmen was placed before the board, the rate of wages having been reduced from Is 11 Jd an hour to Is lOd. A report is to be furnished by the engineer showing the effect of the new conditions. A letter was read from the Banks Peninsula Power Board soliciting support for a remit to the Dominion conference of the Farmers' Union, advocating that the charges for bulk supply of electricity to rural power boards should be reduced so as to bring them into line with charges to cities. Mr Hunt said that the power boards had already taken the matter up and he did not think that much good would be gained by supporting the Peninsula request. The letter was received. A letter from the chief electrical engineer. Public Works Department, drew attention to the legal and physical risks incurred by persons unskilled and unlicensed attempting to make repairs and extensions to electrical services. At the request of Mr Rowell the engineer undertook to investigate the voltage of the lines near Coe's ford and Day's road. The engineer reported that following enquiries he had ascertained that the legislation authorising the conversion of local body loans had not been enacted, and that any such conversion would at present not be legal. He had been given to understand, however, that the necessary legislation would be dealt with next session, together with an act to provide for consolidation of rating districts. The board decided to leave the loan conversion proposals in abeyance until legislative authority had been given. Reports from the engineer, inspector, Paparua and Tai Tapu supervisers, and the lines foreman were considered and adopted. Mr Maginness was congratulated upon the academic success gained by his daughter, Miss D. Maginness, M.A., who is to leave shortly to continue her studies in Great Britain.