THE BOROUGH SERVICES.

Franklin Times, Volume 10, Issue 828, 27 April 1923, Page 5

THE BOROUGH SERVICES.

ALTERNATING ELECTRICITY

MODERN SYSTEM INSTALLED

LIGHTING TROUBLES END

THE SWIMMING BATHS,

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY

Pukekohe’s troubles as far as lighting is concerned should, from now on he things of the past. It is needless to remind Ihe residents of this progressive town of the many inconveniences suffered during the last eighteen months, due to the electric light failure, but it would -be wise to acquaint them of the efforts taken by the powers that be to obviate the difficulty, and to bring the condition of the power house up to a state in keeping with the marked progress the town was making.. During the 'term Mr H. G. R. Mason occupied the Mayoral chair, and the Councillors connected with himv they could forsee that unless something was soon done the lighting of the town would become a very serious matter. . This Mayor and Council commenced work, and they prepared the as it were, for the laying of the foundations, of placing certain proposals before the iratepayers, one of these proposals being the raising of a loan to augment the power, to provide light for the existing consumers, and the many Who demanded it. Mayor Mason and some of his colleagues shortly afterwards were turned out of office, and the incoming Mayor and Council wero left' the work of placing the proposals for a loan of £84,000 before the ratepayers. The loan was carried. During the Council’s term of office a cloud of financial depression loomed up and money was difficult to obtain ; in fact it was unprocurable, and besides, the rate of interest to be paid was abnormal. In consequence, little or nothing in the way of rainsing loan money was done, beyond repeated efforts to obtain it from all sources. In the meantime the lighting system was gradually dwindling into such a state that the demand exceeded the supply and when the present Mayor and Council assumed the reins of control things were looking’ rather dull. 'However the present authorities had not been long in office when a climax was reached and smash went the engine, known as the Factory pnginc.. This engine was replaced by the Gisborne" engine and this engine too, under the heavy strain of the peax load went into the land of the unknown. In such a comparatively short space of time for two engines to “go west” was nothing short of a calamity, and decidedly ill. l'uck for the new Mayor and Council. Urgent steps were taken to acquire new plant and everything was pointing in the right direction until the illfated steamer “Wiltshire” crashed into the Great Barrier Island. ,This vessel was conveying some of the yplant urgently needed for the Pukekohe power station, but it went down ’hr was damaged by the salt water. This was another stroke of misfortune for the Council and pubiic of this town. The public by this w • becoming terribly disheartened and grieved but all the while the authorities were striving to remedy the trouble. Realising the inconveniences being put up with. They also knew the time would come when the many troubles would cease and this occasion was marked on Thursday afternoon when the Mayor (Mr John Routly) in the presence of a large attendance of prominent members of the community, switched on the alternating electricity system, the installation of which had been completed only a few days previously. At the power house Mr Routly read apologies for non-attendance from the consulting engineer (Mr A. J. Walker). ex-Mayors H. G. R. Mason and C. K. Lawrie, the member for Raglan (Mr R. F. Bollard) and the manager of the Pukekohe Dairy Factory (Mr J. G. Ward). In the course of his remarks, His Worship said that in October, 1917, electrical services were inaugurated under ex-Mayor Mason, when machinery and electric lines were installed at a cost of £5500. N«i new machinery was put in. The plant ran successfully but it became hopelessly overloaded as time went on, and troubles began in a serious fashion. Up to the present day £26,981 10s had been expended in electrical equipment for the town, £21,400 of which during the last three years. The other evening, he added, some person had stated that £40,000 had been spent and they had no light when the plant was carried to the point they intended to carry it they would have 500 horse power, and equipment to supply the whole town —the cost then would be about £4i>ooo, but up to date only £26,981 10s had been expended. The loan, he added, would allow them to achieve this end. The Mayor then detailed the extent of the machinery housed in the power house, and continued with an explanation how the little engine with the, double balance wheel had provided the town with water and light . He asked his hearers to compare the plant today with that of a short time ago. with one engine and a small one at that, they were labouring under great difficulties to supply the needs, l'he

trouble laid in the fact that there was tsw. sufficient power behind the han-

i Referring to Wyatt’s patent gas I ducer, the producer that had been c('"'jomned without a triat, the Mayor ? ,:d it wolld supply sufficient gas to drive 500 horse power. The cost to the Borough had been £350, whereas ir. the ordinary way. gas producers with 500 h.p. capacity would have cost £2OOO. The Mayor added that in about L months’ time an additional unit of SO h.p. would be installed. The engine was on the water, while the concrete beds were already prepared to receive her. With this additional the plant would -supply all needs, but they had nothing in the way of a duplicate set, It was pro posed, he concluded, to have a 2-10

h.p. unit installed and this would .duplicate the existing set. The engines were stopped during the Mayor’s address and re-s t a>'-'ted when, amidst cheers and applause. Mr Routly switched on the power, making the change from direct to alternating current. Cheers were then given for the Mayor and engineer. The new plant installed provides current for the whole town. A 100 K.V.A. Bruce Peebles alternator connected with an exciter pn the same shaft is directly coupled to a 126 h..p. verticaL 3-cylinder National suction gas engine. A 45 K.V.A. alternator of the same make is belt driven by a 55 h.p. National engine,' This engine is the old factory engine which has been re-constructed, not patched up. - In about two months’ time a 80 h.p,. vertical National gas engine will be installed. The whole of the engines will b, supplied with gas by Wyatt’s patent .500 h.p. gas producer. There is also the dump and air compressor and a little engine housed in the station. The switchboard is the most wonderful part of the whole system, and this beggars complete description, the various parts being very intucate. There are two complete generating panels and five feeder panels which feeds the whole of the town. Feede> panel No. 1 feeds No ,1 transformer, which supplies the town only. Panel No. 2 feeds transformer No./ 2 and the area east of the railway is given light and power. Transformer No. 3 is fed from feeder No. 3 and through this the western portion of the town receives its tight and power. The No. 4 system supplies the Pukekohe Hilt area, while No. 5 conta'ois the area to the Bucldand boundary of the Borough. [The pumping of water by means of electric power will take place during the night load and part of the day when the full 80 hqrse power is not being consumed. When the 80 horse engine is Installed and is in running order the enginess will be run as follows . —The 55 h.p. unit from 12 midnight to 7 a.m. The 80 h.p. unit from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m„ in winter time and 6 p.m. in summer. The 120 h.p, unit from 4 p.m. in winter, 6 p.m. in summer to 12 midnight. THE OPENING OF BATHS, There was also a large attendance at the opening ceremony in connection with the Swimming Baths. The swimming pool which is constructed in ferro-concrete, finished in cement, which gives a smooth surface, is 75 feet long and 25 feet wide. Tire bath is slooped gradually from the entrance anjd where the water is just over 2 feet deep, to the spring board end. where it rises to a depth of about 9 feet. The pool is situated on the Domain about midway between the Primary School, where there are nearly 500 children ad the Technical High School, where the roil number is approaching 250 students. fhe bath is surrounded by a high corrugated iron fence, whilF on 2 sides dressing x’oom accommodation is provided, while showers are adequate. At the entrance is a caretaker’s office. Ail these conveniences multiplied comprise a swimming bath that is complete and which will supply the needs of the town for many years to come. In spite of the lateness of the season the baths have been very liberally patronised and have proved to be a very popular rendezvous for the young people. The Mayor, in formally declaring the baths open for the use of the public of Pukekohe and surrounding districts, said he hoped full use would be made of them both by Borough and surrounding district residents. The Council had been pleased to have this work carried out. The baths had cost £B7O, £6OO of which had been provided for out of loan the balance coming from the general fund. In spite of this the latter fund showed a credit balance of £350 at the 31st March, 1923.? Referring to the dressing sheds, etc., the Mayor termed them as modest structures and hoped a finer structure would be erected in years to come. In declaring the baths open, he expressed the wish that they would be used to the fullest advantage.

THE DINNER AND SMOKE

CONCERfT.

After the opening of the baths and the switching on of the alternating surrent ceremonies, the party adjourned to Mrs McGovern’s private hotel, wheire dinner was partaken of. After full justice had been done to the spread several toasts were honoured. After “The King” has been toasted, Mr E. Allan proposed the toast of His Excellency the Governor-General, Viscount Jellicoe. Mr Allan said that none had filled the office better than Lord Jellicoe. Both Their Excellencies had endeared themselves to every man, woman and child in New Zealand.

The toast of the Constructional Engineers was entrusted to Cr G. lb Armstrong, chairman of the Borough Electrical Lighting Committee. In the course of his remarks the speaker referred to the awkward position the Borough had been in owing to lighting troubles. This awkward position was due to no fault of. the present officers in power or the present engineer. The position arose before the life of the present Council. •Had the Pukekohe Borough raised money at the exhoirbitant rates of 8 and it) per cent, from Australia and other places like other local bodies had done to carry on work no doubt the trouble could have been obviated to a certain extent. In view of the position in which they were faced, he thought they had done the light thing in holding off until the money market cheapened. The Council, faced as it was, had to seek an alternative. The reputable firms in Auckland were approached with a view of coming to the Borough’s assistance that is, as far as providingmachinery was concerned. the insurance companies could have rendered valuable assistance, but- they would not come to light.. After exhaustive ennui ties had been made, Messrs o.

J. Niven and Co. agreed to provide the machinery /required, and to accept Borough debentures in payment of the equipment. The assistance rendered by Messrs Niven and Co. would never be forgotten by himself, He realised the seriousness o± the position, and throughout had conducted the Council’s business as he would have conducted his own. The debentures at this time could not be negotiated by Messrs Niven and Co., but they were prepared to wait untii such time as they were negotiable. The machinery in the power house was proficient. The Borough a lot to thank Messrs Niven_ and Co. for what the firm had done in a time of need. „ Mr G. K. Hansard, manager tor Messrs J J Nievn and. Crjj said he realised the trying position they weie in in the development of the Borough, and as regards the electric lighting system. He did not want to say anything about the machinery, that would speak for itself. The firm’s motto was “Service, Success. They reckoned to give service and the success would come automatically. “You have been up against it during the last two years,” he added. The delays in the matter were unavoidable. He recalled the “Wiltshire wreck, and added that the alternator went down with the vessel Fortyeight hours after this incident a cable was dispatched ordering another alternator. The replacemenr was hurried as much as possible and in a short time the new equipment came to hand. He thought he was right in saying that they had advanced in the right direction in installing modern machinery. The firm .had accepted Borough debentures in payment for the equipment. They trusted the Borough and in a short time afterwards the Borough was able to pay cash and it did so? (Applause). Touching on the matter of steam versus suction gas* Mr (Hansard said that in the case of large units over 3000 ho/rse power and up to 7000 and 8000 bore power suction gas was not in the same street, but up to 3000 horse power the suction gas equipment was by far the most economical. Of course a lot depended on the location of the plant. If a plant was located at Westport, where an abundant supply of coal was available.., steam would be the most economical, but in the Noirth island suction gas plants were the most economical. He complimented them on the condition of the power house. His firm did not erect the machinery it being erected by Mr W. Wyatt, in whom his firm had the fullest confidence. It was customary when machinery was ordered for the firm to stipulate that il should erect it, but in this ease were content to let Mi* .Wyatt do the work, and you can see the result, lie added. (Loud applause). He. thanked them for the manner in which they had honoured the toast. In proposing the toast oT‘ M Our Electrical Engineers and the staff engaged in erecting the machinery,” His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. Routly) said the engineers were responsible for designing, erecting and supervising the new plant, part of which was in working order. A higher compliment could not. have been paid Mr Wyatt, than by the representative of Messrs J. .1. Niven and Go., that this firm was prepared to let Mr Wyatt do ttie erecting work. He was satisfied the man was competent to do the job. (Applause). Wyatt, he continued, was a man of two parts. In the power house ho donned liis working togs, and got into the thick of the work. lie had kept in the thick of it nol for his own sake, but for the sake of the residents of the town. The more he knew him, the better content he was to have him in charge of the water and electric ventures generally. He would not say this, unless the man possessed the qualifications, which he did. He admired him for the grip of the position lie held. In referring to the work of the staff, Mr Routly paid them a high tribute, and stated these men could b,e relied on through thick and thin. If they

got a new staff and a new engineer the Borough would have found itself in a more difficult position.

In replying, Mr Wyatt said it was not his place speechifying; he would rather he with his coat off getting into work. This was when-things were not going smoothly, but when they were running smoothly, be could take it as easy as anyone. The staff be had was a really good one, a staff that could be depended on to do the work They had had a heavy row to hoe, but be was glad to say they were on the up grade. A lot of hard things had been said about them. Let these people go ahead talking and the staff would do the work, he concluded. Mr J. Wright, a new comer to the town, endorsed the remarks made concerning Mr Wyatt, and on behalf of the staff thanked them for honouring the toast as they had done. Gr A. P. Daysh, who proposed the toast of the Electric Light and Waterworks Committee, said the committee had had a very strenuous time in carrying out its duties. From now on the efficiency of the services was assured and consumers would get what they desired.

Gr Armstrong, in responding, said lie hoped the incoming Electric Committee would get the same support

mi 100 Council as his committee

had received. Looking back over the last Iwo years’ of trouble, and -comparing the position with that of today, lie did so with pleasure. They had worked hard for an object, which had now been achieved. (Applause).

The toast of “The Local Bodies” was entrusted to Cr John Patterson, who stated that men gave a great deal of time to the work without thought ol' recompense or thanks, lie fell llial. when they entered local polilies I hey had a duly to perform. At times they were misunderstood. Sometimes a good deal of feeling was created because Ihey could not give everybody wliat they wanled, and in consequence llioy got kicks where thanks were due. Cr Wilcox, deputy chairman of the Franklin Coiipnly Council, apologised for I he absence of the chairman (Cr \V. Claud Molion). lie said he was agreeably surprised with what, he had seen llial day. lie a,greed with Cr Pa! lei-soii Mud people entering inio

local politics received knocks when they tried to do anything: but it was his intention to leave things better Ilian he found them. lie was satisfied that Councillors collectively made mistakes. Any amount of fannres made mistakes. They went into it, not for what they could get out of it, but for the good they could do.. This, at any rate, was tiis intention. He had made mistakes, but as soon as they were pointed out to him lie endeavoured to have them rectified.

Mr A. F. Brown "proposed tin* toast of ex-Mayors and Borough Councillors, and in so doing said Pukekohe had every reason to congratulate itself on its selection of past Mayors, and the present Mayor. II was very hard indeed to get a Mayor to please everybody.

Air F. llubbard, an ex-Councillor, said he had seen 10 years of service, and during this time there had been many ups and downs. He knew the abuse members of local bodies were subject to, and advised present officers and aspirants for honours that the only way to get along was to go ahead independently, do what was right and lake no notice of anyone. He remarked that he could not help sniiling when “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was being sung. Some of those who were singing had a white ago been ragging him up hill and down dale. Ex-Councillor J. Pollock, in contrasting the stale of affairs at the power house to-day with the condition of a few years ago, said one could hardly realise the progress made. Air R. F. Webster congratulated the Alayor, Council and engineers concerned on the slate of efficiency the power house had been brought to. He was pleased that the new plant which had just been installed and which they had seen working was supplied by the same company that supplied the very first engine. Air .1. W. Johns, another exGouncilor, referred to the silent member on local bodies. These silent ones, he said, were those who did invaluable work on committees. The silent ones were those who were thinking deeply and planning matters for the future welfare of the district. He was pleased with the progress the Borough had made in the past and predicted greater progress for the future. The trouble experienced during the last two years was due to no fault of the Council or its employees. The war, the scarcity of money and the difficulty in obtaining machinery were elements that all assisted in retarding progress. The power house was in a high state of efficiency. He had confidence in the engineer.

Air J. H. Keith, also a past member of the Council, endorsed the remarks of previous speakers. Air A. Berriman also added 1 1 is testimony to the. sent intents voiced.

In proposing the toast of the Electrical Department of the Public Works Department, Air W. Wyatt said all local electrical work had to pass the tests made by the Public Works inspectors, and after two inspections the inspector had granted the permit to effect the change over from D.C. to A.G. He did not take much notice of the kerb stone engineers, but did of the Government engineers.

Air Marshall, the Public Works Department Electrical Inspector, said he had had wide experience in matters electrical. The general public did not understand the many troubles to be put up with in changing over from one system lo another. As far as the new plant goes, they.had a nice little plant. They should never he afraid of having a plant too big because, it was his experience that, the peak load was soon reached. Pukekohe was particularly fortunate in having such an industrious and painstaking engineer in charge of its work, such as Mr Wyatt.

i-lis Worship the Alayor proposed the health of the Old Identities, to which Messrs R. F. Webster and J. B. Brown responded. The final toast of the evening, that of His Worship the Alayor and Councillors, was proposed by Air Frank Perkins, who congratulated these officials on the good work done during their term of office. The erection of the swimming baths was a step in the right direction, and he thought that now facilities were available every boy and girl should-be taught to swim. Air Perkins referred to the advancement of Pukekohe during the last 15 years, and trusted the district would continue to progress rapidly. He wished the Alayor and Council long life, health and prosperity.

The Mayor, on rising lo respond, was greeted with applause. Referring to the change over from D.C. to A.C. that day, he stated that the engines at the power house were shut down and re-started without much difficulty. This alone was a trying test. He had feared there would have been much inconvenience to consumers during the changing over business, but the troubles had been only slight. During the time the trouble was at its height they had only one small engine with which to pump water for the town. During that period, and it was in the summer time, the people had been without water for parts of two days. When lu; took over the reins of office two years ago the power house was nothing more than a small room, having a small pumping plant, a small Commercial type engine and the factory engine. That was the full extent of the plan! at that time. Concrete walls were in various stages of construction. Ways and means were devised, so that the roofing could be improved and a decent room provided for the men to work in. Two new units of the most modern type were installed. They had three objects before them : keeping up an adequate water supply and to supas much electric current as they could. They had the ratepayers’ pockets to consider. The crippled electric plant had during the last two years earned well over I*2ooo, and a profit ol‘ £350 over working expenses. This would go some way towards meeting the interest account. In future the plant would be worked more economically. The gas producer would use lesser fuel and in proportion lo the horse power there would be less ! employees. Another object v..is i>J earn at! the money possible with the | plant and to have as many eiec.!rie:d ' and waterworks connections „s possible al Use time of changing over

from D.C. to A.G., and at this juncture to be as near paying point as the/ could get. In the near future both the waterworks and lighting schemes would be self-supporting. For the year ended .‘list March, li'23, a prolit of £BSO had been shown on Ihe water account over the working expenses. The position was becoming more and more satisfactory. He appreciated the treatment the Borough had received at the hands of the contracting firm. He expressed his thanks to the Councillors who had worked with him for tie: past two years. He eulogised the work of the Councillors, particular y that done by Cr Armstrong. The latter was deeply interested in the well-being of the town, particularly of the w< rking of the Electricity anu Waterworks Department. While conversing with Cr Armstrong recently he learned that this Councillor was thinking about the future _ of the electricity poles, and had, with the speaker, been solving a problem as to the construction of a concrete pole making plant, so that as the timber poles rotted concrete ones made by the Borough could replace them. Cr Armsir. mg had also been discussing the question of disposing of the available power, when the horse power was brought up to 500. When looking round for sources of output, Buck—land, Paerala, and Tuukau were suggested. Although this Councillor did not say much he was flunking deeply all the time.

The Mayor stated thc.cc was* a scheme on foot with a view of making the water in the swimming baths tepid. It was hoped to use water that cooled the engines at the power house for this purpose. During the evening vocal items were rendered by Mr F. Hubbard.

The singing of “Auld Lang Syne" terminated a successful function.