TREES AND POWER LINES

Evening Star, Issue 22526, 19 December 1936, Page 13

TREES AND POWER LINES

DRASTIC ACTION URGED The amount of extra work entailed and. the great expense involved as a result of the failure of consumers to cut down or cut back trees in close proximity to power lines was strongly emphasised by the engineer (Mr I. Dalmer) in his report to the Waitaki Power Board yesterday. “ Trees still continue to give trouble,” said the engineer l , “ Recently a tree branch on a consumer’s property brought down his service line, resulting in the burning out of a transformer. It seems impassible to get consumers to take care of trees endangering their own lines; and only by constant overhaul and supervision can troubles be avoided. This involves great expense in both time and transport.” He went on tq remark that drastic, action with regard to trees seemed essential, and it was evident that they could afford no risks from trees in connection with any new lines and services to be erected in future. The chairman (Mr J. M'Diarmid) said it was apparent from the great inconvenience and expense incurred by the board as a result of negligence onthe part of consumers that action would have to be taken in future to protect the board’s reticulation, especially in the country districts. “ Not only consumers, but others also give trouble to the linesmen through carelessness in felling trees and in clearing scrub,” said the Chairman. He pointed out that recently a life had been endangered as the result of a tree being felled on to a high-power line, causing it to break. Where lives were in danger the matter assumed a serious aspect, and it devolved upon all and sundry to assist the board in its efforts to supply the public need without undue supervision and expense.