POWER BOARD WORK

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 3168, 15 November 1927, Page 3

POWER BOARD WORK

ENGINEER-SECRETARY' S REPORT,

The engineer-secretary, Mr L. C. Vicary, presented the following report to the Power Board yesterday:— During the month, the Ellesmere A. and P. Show has been held, great interest being taken in the cooking demonstration and exhibition, the latter being exceptionally well patronised. Comments expressed show that quite a number of consumers intend installing ranges in the near future. It is interesting to note from the Electrical Federation returns for the quarter ending September, 1927, that of 41 supply authorities having a total number of 203,496 connexions, 10,704 of these have ranges installed, averagi ing one range per 19 consumers. The extension to Mr Mackie (Dunsandel) has been completed and put into operation. An extension to Mr Graham (Brookside) and one to White's estate (Lakeside) are in progress, the necessary guarantees haying been signed. Mr Broughton, Oakleigh, has asked for an extension to be made to supply his premises. The estimated cost of this line is £640 and necessitates a guarantee of £80 per annum. Two other residents can be picked upon this line who are prepared to guarantee the sum of £18 between them, leaving £62 to bo found. Other residents in the neighbourhood have been considered, but that does not alter the position. The investigations regarding the 2,300 volt transformers as reported last month have been proceeded with, and a test carried out by an independent authority. Although the details of the tests are not to hand, I have been advised that,, the proposed system of reconnexion has proved to -be quite satisfactory. I now propose to put three of these into service in the 6,600 volt area, and observe their behaviour under all conditions. As this will mean a saving in the vicinity of £4,000, it is worth while spending a little in. experiments. I have applied for,, and obtained permission to use the present overhead conductors on 6,600 volts under certain conditions, particulars of which are contained in a letter from the Public Works Department. With regard to the changing over to 6,600 volts, with the particulars available, and the concession granted by the Public Works Department, I recommend the Board to proceed with the change-over as soon as possible.

PAPAEUA EEPORT. Alterations in connexion with the erection of Post and Telegraph lines have been carried out at Sockburn and Prebbleton, and are now completed. Extra phases and larger wire, have been run from the Sockburn substation to the corner, of Main South Toad and Springs road to supply an increased load. A three-phase service has been run to Mr L. Walker, Hornby, and another to supply the West Melton shearing shed with power. Two new cooker services have been run, both at Sockburn. Two house services have been connected and general overhaul and maintenance work •carried out. Trouble has developed in the transmission of Ford car No. 1 and we are now unable to use it at all. The back wheels are also very loose and unsafe for the work.