LESS POWER USED

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1946, Page 9

LESS POWER USED

EFFECT OF DREDGE CEASING OPERATIONS REPORT BY ENGINEER “Due to the Barrytown dredge ceasing operations, this year’s figures are slightly lower than last year, but the difference has now been almost overtaken,” said the engineer (Mr. S. W,. J. Trotter), reporting on the operations over the past 12 months to the Grey Electric Power Board last • evening. For the year ended March 31, he stated, 29,420,000 units had been purchased, compared with 32,142,000 the previous year. The maximum demand for the year was 5878 k.v.a., compared with 5822 k.v.a., while the cost of powei* for the year had been £41,391/10/-. The previous vear the cost had been £42,781. ’’ During the first three months of 1946, 7,274,000 units had been purchased and the maximum demand was 5374 k.v.a.

Mr. P. Blanchfield presided at the meeting, and also present were Messrs. L. N. Downes, W. McGilchrist, W. Clayton, J. Ryan, A. L. McKay, J. B. Kent, and W. E. Pring. Insurance Proposal The Electric Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association sought the board’s opinion on the advisability of reviving the insurance 'sub-committee and having a report placed before the 1946 annual conference. The secretary (Mr. W. S. McClymont) reported that' when the proposal had been turned down some years ago, the board had decided to operate its own scheme. If the new proposal were put into operation, however, the £lOOO placed in reserve for the board’s scheme could be transferred to another account —possibly foi’ rural reticulation. The chairman said he thought adoption of the proposal would be for the good of the board and would save its finances. It was decided to advise the association that the board would support the revival of the committee. It was decided to make a grant of £5/5/- to the Greymouth Surf and Life-saving Club. It was decided to meet a request by the South Island’s Travel Association for assistance by taking advertising space in the association s booklet. Accounts amounting to £11,826 13/6 were passed for payment. Engineer's Report The engineer (Mr. S. W. J. Trotter) reported: Gangs have been engaged on general maintenance of overhead lines and services. The transformer at the borough pumping station has been changed and general overhaul carried out there. Alterations to high pressure lines have been completed to enable the Grey River dredge to cross the main road at Hukarere. The running of screening wire for elimination of interference with communication system between Hukarere and Reef ton is completed. Investigations are being carried out for a power line to serve the new Garvey’s Creek State colliery off the Reefton-Maruia road. Other work is proceeding in Reef ton. The Barrytown extension for farming will be commenced as soon, as permission is obtained from the State Hydro Electric Department to proceed with the work. Since last meeting nine new applications have been received and permits issued. Ten new consumers have been connected. Applications now total 5435 and consumers 5421. Thirty-one permits have been issued for alterations to existing installations, seventeen extensions have been completed, seven ranges have been installed for the month, and six water-heaters have been installed for the month. At Reefton 20 further consumers have been connected. The connected load for the month is as follows: —Light, 3.120 (2253.635 kw); heat, 38.00 (5968.66 k.w.); water heat, 7.50 (789.16 k.w.); power, nil (15,613.00 h.p.); cooking, 48.300 (7166.000 k.w.). The load at the last meeting was 31,592.660. The load for the month ’ was 96.920. Total, 31,689.580. The report of the secretary (Mr. W. S. McClymont) was adopted as follows: —The Power Fund bank balance to-day is £8794/16/5. The Government account for power approximately £lO,OOO, will be due on April 25. , Accounts owing for electric ranges sold under hire-purchase agreement now total £2247/16/4, out of a total of £16,546/2/8 advanced. Large power accounts are in order except for one, which is covered by a sufficient deposit. Revenue from the sale of electricity during March amounted to £9892/5/9, derived from Groups A and C, town and part country respectively.