POWER SUPPLIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 245, 14 September 1936, Page 2

POWER SUPPLIES

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. 1936 CONFERENCE REVIEWED. “I think it may be said that the ]930 conference of the Electric Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association was a pronounced success and that splendid work was accomplished by the delegates,” stated the president of the association (Air J. A. Nash) in a review of the conference which came before the monthly meeting of tho Alanaivatu-Oroua Power Board to-day. The report proceeded:—“As usual, good results followed flic conference of the Engineers’ and Secretaries’ Association, and the presidents of each arc entitled to congratulations lor the able manner in whiiTi They presented their respective reports and explained the various remits.

REAIITS FROAt ENGINEERS. “Among the engineers’ remits was one dealing with a five-year inspection —that it should bo altered to 10 years. The work is a costly one and it is recognised that ample protection should he given to the general public. Nevertheless, owing to the time involved and the added burden to the finances of boards and supply authorities, it was. decided to urge the Minister to alter the present conditions. Another remit was the illumination of main highways, the opinion being expressed that it would he much safer for night driving, and that headlights could be dispensed with. Delegates generally approved of the proposal which, it is hoped, will meet with the Government’s and department’s approval. The outstanding remit submitted by the engineers was that of nationalisation and amalgamation. A committee of 12 was set up, four each from tho engineers’ and secretaries’ body, and Alessrs Monk, Blackley, Bali, and Purnell from supply authorities. Full representation has been given to large and small boards and our supply authorities’ members.

“The Minister has already promised that no action will be taken without consulting our association, and with tho committee gathering data and information from other countries, we should, with their report, he able to come to a satisfactory conclusion as to the future and he able tn meet any proposals brought forward. Personally, I do not think that any action will be taken in regard to nationalisation, but I feel tliat the question of distribution will play a prominent part.

SECRETARIES’ SUGGESTIONS. “The Secretaries’ Association is of the opinion that a demonstrator should he employed. The association will endeavour to find one and, after ascertaining the cost, will communicate with members of the association, giving tho cost per wccTT. It will then he necessary for members to decide how long they desire to engage the demonstrator, and if sufficient inducement is offered, then a demonstrator will be engaged and a rota arranged. A further remit asks that a national advertising scheme be arranged. The proposal is not a new one. The association arranged a scheme previously, but could not go on with it owing to the depression. There are difficulties to contend with as sonic members preler to do their own advertising. The proposal, however, is being put into shape and full particulars will he sent out by the. secretary later. It is fully expected that the Government will subsidise the proposal. “The Secretaries’ Association reported that while it had not been able to present any definite insurance scheme, Air G. Brown (managing-sec-retary of the Wairarnpa Board) had secured reductions of 50 per cent, on fire risks and 25 per cent, on other risks for his hoard. Members of the association will no doubt look for similar concessions. “Tho question of a 5-dav week was recommended to the association for the inside staff; but the conference could not adopt the proposal and it was decided to leave the matter to members of the association for their consideration. Superannuation lias been discussed at previous conferences but without any finality. Tho secretaries’ branch brought 'forward recommendations, and these have been referred to the executive for consideration and will receive attention. “Industrial matters are receiving the attention of the secretary and a special committee. Should any points arise that affect individual members, I would ask that they immediately communicate with the secretary. Other important remits were adopted by the conference and those, with other matters, will be passed on to the Alinister by way of a deputation.

ASSOCIATION’S FINANCES. “It became necessary for me to point out to the conference that out funds were rapidly becoming depleted. For some years we have only collected half fees. This year the full amount, £768, has been collected, but it will he inadequate to carry on tho association’s business. The conference has appointed six committees to carry out very important work for the association, and this involves expense. Then, again, the executive and the association felt that the amount being paid to the secretary was far too small. Mr Swain is rendering excellent service, and at the present time this is a fulltime job instead of a part-time one. Added to this we have tho use of his office staff when required. Consequently, authority was given to the execu-

tive to increase the subscriptions tor next year, 1937. It is felt that members will approve of that when the huge amount invested in the industry and the work that is being done (that on the part of the committees gratuitously) are considered. Briefly, with half contribution last .year, there was an excess over expenditure of £332. Our credit balance on June 1, 1935, was £779, and at the same date this year, £447. I estimate that the cost of running the association will be approximately £llsO for the coming year, and trust that this explanation will enable members to understand the reason for raising the annual subscription in 1937. “In conclusion I desire to commend the action of our secretary in visiting members of our association in both islands. Mr Swain having completed the South Island, hopes to be able to tour the North Island before Christmas. I also desire to thank the executive for their hearty co-operation. As evidence of the good feeling at the conference, the whole of the executive was re-elected with the addition of Mr Evans (chairman of the North Canterbury Board) in place of Southland. May I convey my personal thanks to the' members of the association for the honour they did me in re-electing me president for the 14tli consecutive year.”