MOUNTING LOAD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22210, 21 December 1946, Page 2

MOUNTING LOAD

■ .»*- CAPACITY PEAK TOWN TRANSFORMERS DELAYED U.K. DELIVERY A serious position in respect of transformer capacity in the borough reticulation was reported to yesterday's meeting of the P.B. Electric-Power Board, which authorised .the placing of an order with a New Zealand manufacturer for six 100 k.w. double-ration transformers for delivery in May. The secretary, Mr. R. P. Baigent, reminded members that at the previous meeting the board had authorised the ordering of 15 of these transformers from a United Kingdom manufacturer, who had expected to make delivery within 30 weeks of the receipt of the order. This manufacturer had now advised that the United Kingdom Government was unable to release the necessary copper for a further 40 weeks, and that the earliest bv which manufacture could be completed was 52 weeks. Allowing a further six to eight weeks for shipment and drying-out in Gisborne, the transformers could not be installed and operated before about February, 1948. In these circumstances, the secretary recommended .that an interim order be placed with a New Zealand manufacturer, who had undertaken to give delivery by May. The position of transformer capacity in the Borough of Gisborne had developed seriously, said ML Baigent. for in almost every part of the borough the load was up jo capacity, and any additional load taken on must be of considerable urgency. New houses, particularly those of returned servicemen, would be given preference in accordance with the policy of the board. Members of the board adopted the recommendation of the secretary, and authorised the placing of a New Zealand order. It also supported his suggestions as to preference for new housing. and particularly for servicemen's housing requirements.