SMALL INCREASE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32346, 13 October 1943, Page 5

SMALL INCREASE

ELECTRICITY POSITION VALLEY POWER BOARD MANAGER’S MONTHLY REPORT “ There is a letter- from the Controller before you this day with regard to the control _of electricity on the centre’s rationing. He states that a very small increase will be- allowed supply authorities next year,” reported the manager of the Thames Valley Power Board, Mr R. Sprague, to the October meeting.

“ This board has kept within its allocation practically throughout and at the present time is considerably below the allocation allowed them by the department. The position is, how 7 ever, that the department has given an undertaking to the effect that any board keeping within its allowed limits or making a marked decrease below its limits will not be penalised next year when the allocations are made. This position will have to be very carefully watched.

“ There is also a letter from the controllei' to the effect that the position regarding bare copper has temporarily improved and supply to extensions I think could be made if the board had the necessary manpower. At the present time the labour available is not sufficient to keep our maintenance up to standard, and until the manpower position improves we will be unable to do any work as affecting new extensions. Further applications have been made to the military and manpower authorities for release of men in the armed forces in New Zealand, but so far we have heard no results of oui- latest application. I would like to point out that in some cases our applications have been met and we have at tlie present time som|e additional men released from the army who are being used pn outside work. Consumers “The total number of consumers' connected to the board’s . mains is 12,769. Thames and Te Aroha Boroughs are included in this number and total 1212 and 843 respectively. Two lighting and heating consumers’ were connected during the month, also four ranges, 13 waterheaters and 11 ranges on farms,, of which five are milking motors. There are now connected and operating- 3557 ranges, 6390’ waterheaters and 7283 motors on farms, of which 3485 are milking, motors, also 961 industrial motors. Fifteen consumers had additional lighting and heating connections made. “On account of our allocation of units being now well under the allowed limits by the department, it will be seen that quite a number of dairy waterheaters have been connected, also a few ranges where it had been necessary to replace worn-out appliances. We ai-e now authorising connections to be made, after a personal inspection of the premises by an officer of the board in order to confirm the bona tides of the application.”