ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21087, 12 February 1934, Page 5

ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

BANKS PENINSULA The proposal of the Banks Peninsula Electric Power Board that the Government should give it some financial assistance was again discussed at the last meeting of the board. The chairman (Mr C. E. Kay) reported on an interview with the Chief Electrical Engineer (Mr F. T. M. Kissel) at which the proposal was put forward, and a letter was read from Mr Kissel replying that the matter had been fully discussed with the Minister ior Public Works (the Hon. J. Bitchener), but the board's request could not be met. There were present in addition to Mr Kay, Messrs J. O. Coop, O. R. Bradley, J. V. Chapman, A. M. Helps, J. R. Thacker, and F. Davis. Mr Kay reported that he had explained to Mr Kissel the board's action in endeavouring some years ago to have the cost of the current from the Public Works Department reduced. Mr Kissel showed by graphs that the board had steadily decreased its rate and had lowered charges, but to this the answer was made that the position was not as good as it looked on paper, as the board was working last year on reserves. Mr J. R. Thacker, who had accompanied Mr Kay, said that the only thing that seemed to appeal to Mr Kissel was the cost of the maintenance of the main line. He seemed to be inclined to assist the board in this direction. Members knew that the board was in a good position owing to care being taken in the past to build up reserves. After meeting Mr Kissel his hopes had been dashed. Mr Thacker said that the thing that appealed to him was the suggestion of a reduction of the rate on the land. That was the first thing to reduce. A motion was; carried that the board write to Mr Kissel stating that members would like to discuss the matter more fully with the Minister and himself, and inviting him to make an inspection of the district and meet the members of the board. Formal Business Accounts totalling £1365 9s 9d were passed for payment. Receipts since last meeting amounted to £2809 lis 7d.

The secretary reported that the board's application to the Local Government Loans Board was dealt with at the meeting of that board on January 31. The conversion scheme was approved and a formal notification setting out the terms and conditions, and also an Order-in-Council would be forwarded as soon as possible. The Loans Board suggested that no further action be taken by the Peninsula board until formal approval and a copy of the Order-in-Council was received. It was also advised that in view of the names and addresses of all the holders of existing securities being known to the power board, there would be no necessity to advertise the notice to debenture holders. Unfortunately, m view of the early date of conversion for April 1 next, it would be necessary in order to comply with the ieciuirements of the Local Authorities Act 1922-23, to arrange the date of the next two board meetings to suit the conversion requirements. A special meeting of the board is necessary. It was agreed that the meeting be held on March 1. The engineers reported that during the month the lines staff had been employed on replacing and butting defective pole:: at Port Levy, and installing a larger transformer at the Okiti Valley, main road corner. Little River. Twelve poles were erected n;id 13 removed. The overhaul of Port Levy lines would be completed on the arirval of a shipment of ironbark poles.