SPRINGS-ELLESMERE POWER BOARD

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25084, 16 January 1947, Page 3

SPRINGS-ELLESMERE POWER BOARD

NEW LINE IMPROVES SUPPLY

Since a new line constructed on Springs road had been put into operation, the electricity supply in Lincoln, Tai Tapu, and nearby areas, and especially in the more remote parts of the district, had greatly Improved, it was stated at the monthly meeting of the Springs-Ellesmere Electric Power Board. Mr P. V. Bailey, a member of the board, said that many consumers with whom he had been In conversation had expressed their appreciation. Replying to an inquiry from Mr W. Cole about a proposal to duplicate the Waterholes road line to improve the service in other areas, the engineer said that the length of line would be seven to eight miles. Materials had been on order for some considerable time, but there was no indication of when they would be received. The duplication at this line, together with the new line on Springs road, would meet all demands for a number of years. A statement for the quarter ehded De • cember 31 showed a surplus of £239 10s ‘ sd. revenue for the period having amounted to £17,390 13s 2d. an. increase of £1727 4s by comparison with the corresponding period of the previous year In his report, the engineer stated that the making of concrete poles had been discontinued for the present because of the lack of reinforcing steel. A substantial saving in line losses had been effected with the putting into operation of the new’ Springs road line, but the full benefit would not be gained until the Waterholes road line was duplicated. Although many high-tension” fuses had been blown during recent thunderstorms, no severe damage had been done. There had been 47 extensions to the loading during the month, representing a net increase of 160.764 k.w. The board accepted an invitation from Mr M. E. ,Lyons, chairman of the South Island Regional Planning Electric Supply Committee, to a conference to be held in Christchurch on January 29, and the chairman and engineer were appointed the board’s representatives. For the erection of two houses at Leeston for employees of the board, the tender of Messrs S. F. Clark, Ltd., Christchurch, at £3967. was accepted.