DIFFICULT YEAR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32913, 24 September 1947, Page 6

DIFFICULT YEAR

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS VALLEY POWER BOARD INCREASED SUPPLY IMPORTANT “ The operations of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board during the financial year ended March 31 last, were more difficult than the previous year, due to the greater restrictions imposed on the use of electricity,” said Mr J. F. Mayn, chairman of the board in his comments on the board’s workings over the year, at the September meeting of the board. “ In last year’s annual report mention was made of the drought conditions which existed in the last three months of the financial year. The effect of those conditions was felt progressively more from the 'beginning of this financial year until August 13, when it became necessary to impose 2-hour cut-offs of the whole supply during the midnight hours. This was the first time in the board’s experience that cuts had had to 'be imposed for other than plant -breakdown. They lasted until August 28, when they were removed. Power Cuts Imposed “ Voltage reductions were imposed in addition 'to those cuts. They lasted throughout the year to a greater or lesser- extent, the maximum being four per cent, over the whole time in addition to the cuts. Voltage reductions were -gradually lessened until September 24, when they were made four per cent, for eight and a half hours during the night hours. This condition lasted until March 10', 1947, when the drought which obtained in the last three months of this financial year also, made the position much more serious.

“On March 11 the State HydroElectric Department ordered drastic reductions, involving cuts in supply. These became progressively worse after the end of this financial year, rising up to as much as 53 hours in a week. This matter however, should properly ibe dealt with in the next, year’s annual report. Limited Future Supply

“ What the future holds will depend greatly upon the provision made to increase the supply of electricity. It does appear that when Karapiro and Kaitawa hydro-electric stations are completed' the position will be much better, for a little time at least, although there will be a definite limit to the amount of electricity which can be supplied. “It is most important, from all points of view, that an indication be obtained of the proposals to handle future loads, keeping in view particularly the possibility of failure of generating plant and 1 the occurrence of drought conditions similar to those recently experienced. Acknowledgements

“ I would like to thank consumers for their ready response to the appeals made to- conserve electricity during the critical periods of power shortage, and for their forbearance when cuts had to be imposed. The task of imposing cuts was by no means a pleasant one, though every endeavour was made to see that essential heeds were supplied. That everyone could not be satisfied I quite realise, but trust each will appreciate the difficulties under which the board had to operate. “The board’s executive officers and staff have done an’ excellent job throughout the year, both inside and outside, and often under difficult conditions. I must extend to them, on your ’behalf as well as mine, thanks and appreciation for their loyalty and their work. Death of Late Chairman

“ It is with deep regret, and a sense of personal loss, as I am sure it is to you all, to record the death on December 20, 1046, of our late chairman, Mr Joseph Price. He had' (been a member of this board since its formation in 1921, and had been its chairman since 1'931. His concern for the interests of the board, and its consumers, his spirit of fairness to the staff and to all those with whom he had to deal, will long be remembered ”