ELECTRIC POWER.

Matamata Record, Volume XI, Issue 934, 5 July 1928, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD.

The June Meeting. The monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board was held on Tuesday, Mr. F. Strange presiding. Those present were: Messrs. ,F. E. Flatt, J. Price, J. W. Anderson, J. B. Thomas, C. A. Arthur, G. Howie, H. M. Corbett, H. R. Bush, J. McCormick, W. E. G. Willy. Peak Loading. The District Electrical Engineer, Public Works Department, Hamilton, wrote asking what arrangements the board was making to obtain halfhourly readings, of k.v.a. for the dairy factories. If 'satisfactory arrangements could not be made the factories should be cut off for two hours at night and two hours in the morning during the board’s peak until proper metering gear was installed.

The matter was referred to the engineer.

Three-party Agreement.

The New Zealand Co-op. Dairy Co. forwarded correspondence which had passed between the company and the Public Works Department relative to the power accounts covering the three-party agreements supply during April.—Referred to the manager for the board’s information. Patetonga Lights. The Hauraki Plains County Council wrote asking the board to instal a light at Evans’ store and one outside the public hall at Patetonga.—Referred to engineer. - Request for Troubleman.

The Patetonga Ratepayers’ Association wrote asking the board to consider stationing a troubleman at Patetonga, as> the roads were becoming too bad for motor traffic. It was also pointed out that a number of settlers who were working from transformers bn the Top road were having excessive fusing of electric bulbs, the writer-himself having had six bulbs fuse in a short period.

The manager said that service was being given from Springdale and another troubleman at Patetonga could not be entertained. The matter of the fusing of lights was being investigated.

Damage to Footpaths.

The board’s Paeroa-depot forwarded a list showing a total of 50 poles which had been erected through the asphalt footpaths on the streets of Waihi. The patching of the footpaths had been done in most cases with tar and sand when the pavement had been top-dressed. In about one dozen places chips and tar had been used. So far as the Waihi borough council’s claim for damages amounting to £ls was concerned it would be better to settle with the business at once. The engineer said the distribution engineer at Paeroa was preparing a further report. s Pending the receipt of further information no action was taken. Liability for Storm Damage. The board’s solicitor submitted a lengthy opinion regarding the liability of the board for expense involved in damage to power lines when the Te Aroha A. and P. Society’s shed was blown away. The solicitor said that if it could be proved the building was dilapidated or in bad repair the society would be liable, but if the accident were an act of God no claim could be made.

Charges for Power.

An Auckland firm wrote with reference to a revision of the board’s method of charging for power used in driving a half-horse power motor for use in connection with the firm’s make of milking machine. In the opinion of the firm it was considered not altogether fair for a farmer who was using such a low horsepower to have to pay as though he was using a much larger motor. .

It was stated that the matter would be considered' when power charges were under review.

Over Charging at Putaruru.

Referring to a complaint by the Putaruru Town Board of overcharging for power, the manager said that the trouble had been due to troublemen reading the meter, and they could not be relied upon. A permanent meter' reader had now been appointed. He anticipated the position would improve. Mr. Anderson said there was some cause for complaint if the summer charges were higher than winter, there being fewer bookings. The matter was referred to the manager. General. The resignation of Miss Granger, a typist, wa° received, and the board

decided to grant Miss Grander her j holidays, which were not due for six months, and give her a, testimonial, in view of her past services to the board.

Accounts amounting to £5207 2s 7d on the power fund and £2339 12s Id on the loan fund account were passed for payment. The chairman, deputy-chairman, Mr. J. Price, manager and engineer were deputed to represent the board at the annual conference of Power Boards.