USE OF ELECTRICITY

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 4

USE OF ELECTRICITY

Benefit For Consumers Details of a novel scheme for load building were explained by the engineer and general manager, Mr. E. E. Hollands, to a meeting of the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board on Thursday, and after a lengthy discussion the board adopted the scheme. It is understood that full particulars will shortly be placed before prospective consumers. In reviewing the plan, the chairman, Mr. A. Anderson, states that the scheme, which is divided into two sections, resolves itself into alternate methods for the furtherance of the use of electricity for domestic purposes. “Under No. 1 section,” said Mr. Anderson, “consumers may have installed in their homes, upon payment of a nominal charge only, a modern electric range. All units registered through a prepayment meter will be charged for at a flat rate per unit. The range under this scheme remains the property of the board. “No. 2 section is a modification of the system already in existeriee of advances to consumers, the repayments being considerably eased to meet existing conditions with also a commensurate reduction in deposit required. Under ' sections 1 and 2 a rapid boiling electric jug of the latest type will be presented free to each consumer. “That, it is possible for consumers to have an up-to-date electric range installed practically free of ;cost, and maintained and serviced entirely free of cost, reflects credit upon those responsible for the carrying’out of this large undertaking,” concluded Mr. Anderson. OUTSTANDING SHOW Hutt Valley Horticulture That the recent flower show of the Hutt Valley Horticultural Society was one of outstanding merit was the opinion expressed in the report presented at a meeting of the society. It was considered that the show had contained the best display of chrysanthemums yetseen in the district, and in this section there was an increase in entries. Many new exhibitors competed, and the attendances were good. The other sections were well filled, the'cooking section in particular being of a very high standard. Twenty-one members were present at the meeting, the president, Mr. D. S. Patrick, being iu the chair. Three apologies for absence were received. Letters of appreciation for assistance in flower shows were received from the Moera Kindergarten Society and the Koro Koro Progressive League. The National Viola and Pansy Society of Blrriilngham wrote expressing pleasure at the success of the culture of pansies in the Hutt Valley. A rullug with reference to “ties” for points prizes was forwarded from the Royal Horticultural Society, London. In the Madden Cup for 1»33, which was a points prize, two exhibitors tied for points, each with two firsts and two seconds. In 1934 one of the exhibitors won the competition,, and considered he had won the trophy with two wins in succession. The decision given by the parent society was that a “tie” should not count for a win. Congratulations were extended to Mr. E. L. Riddiford for again winning the champion bloom, and to Mr. G. TV. Cairns for winning the champion bloom at.the Wellington show. The president suggested tliat next year the talks ou horticulture be given at the monthly meetings, and invited all members to attend. FINANCES SOUND Petone Dental Clinic “The past year has seen a considerable increase bi the attendance, and it is gratifying to see that parents are realising more and more each year what benefits are to be obtained,” states the annual report of the Petone Dental Clinic. The report adds that the present roll Is approximately 500, which consists of children from each of the five Petone schools. The report states that' in an endeavour to assist the committee financially and to maintain the roil number, the Director of Hygiene decided that uo more children from Petone would be accepted for treatment at the Wellington clinic. As soon as the financial period of those at’ present receiving attention at Wellington expired they would lie transferred to Petone A number of children hud been transferred already, and it was expected that there would be a large increase in the coming year. During the year a sub-base of the clinic was opened at Eastbourne, and the nurse was absent for about eight weeks. The establishment of the clinic at Eastbourne did not affect the com.mlttoe In any way, as the work of the clinic was carried out by u committee at Eastbourne. The most gratifying feature of the balance-sheet, continued the report, was that the committee had paid off the arrears owing to the Department of Health. The arrears were brought about by an unexpected change in the policy Of the department whereby a charge Pf £3O per annum for each nurse was levied on all committees. As the committee had not sufficient funds at the time to meet' the charge, and as two nurses were then engaged at Peone. it would be realised that, a heavy expense had to bo faced. By much hard worn and a splendid response from parents, the arrears had been paid off. and the committee now had a substantial credit balance and no liabilities. Since the committee had paid off the arrears and were hot faced with any additional expenditure, it was considered that a reduction should be made in the fee paid by parents. That was a matter which would require to be dealt with by the incoming committee, and if a reduction in the fee could be made it would afford considerable relief to pa rents. RESTORATION OF CUTS Petone Council Proposal The Petone Borough Council met in committee last evening to discuss the estimates for the year and to consider the restoration of wage cuts to borough employees. The Mayor. Mr. D. McKenzie, intimated last evening that a statemen* could not bo made until the question of the restoration of wage cuts had been further considered.