NO STEEL SUPPLY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4167, 1 August 1949, Page 7

NO STEEL SUPPLY

FOR AT LE;AST TWO YEARS ADVICE TO POWER BOARD TO MAKE CONCRETE POLES Whilst in Australia, Mr R. Sprague, manager of the Thame* ■ Valley Electric-Power Board, investigated the possibility of obtaining steel for the manufacture of concrete poles and the results up to a degree were quite optimistic, but unfortunately the strike by coal miners had resulted in the shutting down of the steel works and there was now no possibility of securing any supplies of steel for at least two years. This information was given to members of the board at its July meeting, which took place just after the return of Mr Sprague from Australia. Under such circumstances the board considered that the contract which had been entered into by the manager for the supply of poles was most satisfactory. Mr Sprague recommended that the board should for the construction and use of concrete poles and that the necessary plant accommodation material should be made ready to commence manufacturing in two years time. The manager went on to state that he was confident that if steel and cement were available concrete poles could be manufactured at much less cost than hardwood poles which he anticipated would continue to rise in price.

Whilst in Australia Mr Sprague also investigated the position with regard to certain ironwork and he reported to the board that he was successful in obtaining ironwork such as coach screws, straps and braces which were unobtainable in New Zealand. He had obtained sufficient of these to last the board 12 months at a price comparable with prices ruling in New Zealand.