ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5148, 6 July 1927, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING

The monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Boa.rd .was held at Te Aroha yesterday, the chairman (Mr F. M. Strange) presiding over Messrs H. M. Corbett, F. E. Flatt, W. E. G. Willy, G. Howie, J. Pohlert, J. W. McCormick, J. Price J. A. Anderson, H. R. Bush, C. A. Arthur, R. Sprague (manager), and N. G. McLeod (chief engineer). TELEGRAPH LINES. • The chief engineer, N.Z. Railways, forwarded a memorandum cf extension for the erecting of electric power wires over the railway, and also three staypole s in the Paeroa station yard. ELECTRIC, LINESMEN’S AWARD. The Auckland Provincial Employers’ Association forwarded a copy of the decisions of the Arbitration Court with reference to an application f.or the interpretation of the award. The effect of the decision in rgeard to assistant linesmens’ duties would practically make all labourers on erection work linesmen’s assistants. The charman said that the decision meant an increase of Id an hour in wages, CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES. The Electric Power Boards’ Association advised that the annual conference would be held f?t Wellington on July 20. Each supply authority assessed at an annual subscription of £6 6s was entitled to one voting delegate, and those paying a larger subscription to two voting delegates. Engineers and secretaries were also entitled to attend, but without disturbing the basis of voting. It was resolved that the chairman and deputy-chairman (Mr J. Price) be authorised to attend the conference. INCREASED BANK RATE. The Bank of New Zealand wrote advising that as from May 9 last the minimum rate of bank interest had been raised to 7 per cent. The rate authorised the Minister for advance on the board’s loan was 6% per cent., and it would therefore be necessary to obtain his authority to pay the increased rate from that date. WAYLEAVE AT KAIHERE. The district telegraph engineer wrote in reply to the board’s inquiry and stated that an extra pole would be required.in the department’s line. As the work of removal would be a chargeable item arrangements could be made, if the board desired, for the work to be carried out by the board under the supervision of. .the department’s foreman. As an alternative the whole of the work could be carried out by the department’s workmen at the board’s cost.—Referred to engineer, with power to act. POSITION OF MINING GO. The liquidators of the Rising Sun Gold Mining Co. wrote stating that a new company was being formed to take over the assets and liabilities of the old company. The amount owing to the board was £4lB 18s sd. Mr Willy asked how many times had the company gone into liquidation. , The chairman replied that he did not know, but the last tiime the company went into liquidation the board was paid in full,, and he- was hopeful that a similar position would obtain on this occasion. HIKUTAIA INSTALLATION. The secretary of the Hikutaia Bowling Club applied for a..n extension of time in which to pay the balance owing for the installation of frighting on the green. The manager said that there was a balance of £59 owing on the installation, and a definite time should be given. On the. motion of Mr Flatt it was decided to demand payment of half the amount within six months, and the balance wltnin twelve months. REMISSION OF CHARGES SOUGHT. A letter was received from. Mr E. L. Walton solicitor, Ngatea, on behalf of Angus McDonald, stating that in view of the farm being unoccupied until August, 1926, appli l cation, was made to the board for a revision for the demand for power charges, and for the charge to be [based on a supply of. 81911 b butter-fat.

The manager stated that records showed that the property wais taken over in September, 1925. Tine total a.mount owing fop power to Mair ch 31, 1927, was £32 0s 6d.

The chairman said that the rtaibunt of exemption really sought for was about £l5. The board would mieed to be careful what It did in the: nuatter.

To Mr Flatt the manager said that McDonald was now working feir the Devonport Borough Council, a aid it was understood that he had notified the troubleman that he was leaving the district. Mr Price said there was a risk of establishing a precedent, and he mo ved that the matter be referred, to tt >e manager and Mr Willy, with power t»o act. PATETONGA ROWER. Mr W. H. Cla.rk Patetonga, wrote stating that he desired to have the power he had signed for, but the expense was going to be fairly heavy and it would be difficult for him to find the amount before next spring. The power was just one season too soon for him. FINANCE. The financial statement for Ju’ne showed receipts to be: Lighting and heating, £1839 13s Id : sales and w iring £2485 6s 4d ; flat rate lighting, £693 17s 4'd ; and sundries, totalli ng £27,216 19s 9d. The expenditure was : Wages, £I(JO2 9s 5d ; debenture-holders’ inters st, £2114 17s 4d ; loan fund account rmterst, £697 12s 8d ; sundry loan apportionments, £1250 ; salaries, £6OB 8s stock and fittings £1099; and sain-, dries, totalling £27,216 19s. Sd.

The general trading account si lowed a debit balance of £24,24 3 Is. Accounts amounting to £F4O9 Its 9d on the power fund and £2034 7s Ffd on the loon fund account wfjre passed for payment.