SERIOUS VANDALISM

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1944, Page 7

SERIOUS VANDALISM

interference with grey POWER Y The serious consequences of the destruction of insulators on power lines was illustrated, yesterday py the Engineer of the Grey Electric Power Board, Mr. Sinclair Trotter. He stated that the power supply ro Greymouth failed at 3.15 on Sunday morning, and was fairly promptly restored to all parts of the town with the exception of Blaketown, where the whole of the high extension insulators on a double-armed pole crossing the Blaketown lagoon had to oe replaced. “These insulators,” he continued, ‘"have suffered so much from stone throwing or pea rifle fire, that there was practically no porcelain left, and they naturally, broke down when unfavourable weather conditions arrived and set the pole on fire. Probably the cause of the poor radio reception in Greymouth during the latter part of the week was caused by these broken insulators. Much destruction has been caused on this particular section of the line over a long period —no sooner are matters fixed than fresh attention is given to the line oy vandals. The high tension disconnecting switch also requires removal for complete renewal of all pin ana; strain type insulators before normal conditions, are restored.

It is practically impossible for the Power Board to guarante satisfactory conditions of supply, especially freedom from noisy radio reception, if the insulation of lines cannot be maintained and the officials would be grateful to any residents for information which will enable the' Police Department to bring destroyers of public property before the Court. Insulator breakage and damage to Board property is greater now than it has been in the Board’s history,” concluded Mr. Trotter.