POWER BOARD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 126, 30 April 1941, Page 8

POWER BOARD

The final meeting in the present term of the Dannevirke Power Board was held yesterday, there being present: Messrs M. 0. Grainger (chairman), IIStratford, A. England, F. Craven, 11. Fredrickson, 11. P. Horno, Edgar Harding, C. F. Barker, A. 11. R. Gillespie and C. 11. Hansard. In connection with the receipt of four applications for services, Mr Home reminded the board that several Kumcroa applications had been deferred by the Controller of Electricity some months ago and that these should receive preference. The engineer stated that tho Controller gave preference according to the requirements of the applicants. The chairman said that the Kumcroa amplications had been turned down for six months, and as this period had elapsed, the Controller might approve or the applications could be renewed. The mattei was entirely in tfio hands of the Control lcr. Commenting on the engineer's rcl port, the chairman 6tated that, considering that nine members of the staff were absent on military service, the scale of operations maintained was highly creditable. With reference to an interruption of service in his district, Mr Stratford stated that consumers concerned were at fault in not promptly notifying -the board. In reply to Mr Stratford, tho engineer stated that the duplicate line northwards could not be completed for some time under prevailing conditions, but the matter was being kept in view. An appreciative letter was received from Major E. M. Hogben, thanking the board and members of the staff for installing flood-lights on the various Home Guard parade grounds throughout the district under his charge. In reply to Mr Harding, the chairman stated that a circular to consumers had been prepared, the contents of which included suggestions for Fhe economical us*. of current. Tho chairman also informed the board that delay in preparation of tht> balance-sheet had occurred by reason of acute shortage of staff and that the date lor presentation had had to be altered. It was known, howovcr. that there was a profit of £2878 17s on 'the year's operations. Profits were goinjj into stock to keep down the overdraft. The board could be congratulated on the financial position, ami it might recommend that tho finance committee reduce Ihe rates to the extent of £IOOO. The engineer had stated that maintenance would be a very heavy charge next year. Mr Home stressed the need for reducing the commercial rates as well as those foi lighting. On the motion of Messrs Home and .Stratford, a resolution on the lines suggested was carried. In reply to Mr Home, the chairman stated that materials used in loan works were charged against the loan fund. Replying to Mr Hansard, the engineer stated that tho second point of supply for Woodville would give a dependable supply, and notwithstanding the annual charge of £9OO its value would be recognised. The alternative would be heavy capital expenditure on a heavy line between Ruaroa and Woodville. The engineer's report dealt with repairs to damaged lines in various localities caused by heavy gales. Attention was also drawn to concern caused by tho diminishing titan through members being called-up for military service. The report of tho treasurer revealed that March sales were a gross increase of £llO over those of the previous March, and that sales for the year showed an increase of £3360. The cost of current purchased for the year was £12,028, an increase of £lll6. Before the meeting dispersed, the chairman thanked members for the helpful way they had worked with him. Mr Harding returned thanks to the chairman and staff for attention to the requirements of his district. Mr Barker announced his retirement and thanked members and staff for assistance in matters covering hrs district. The chairman expressed regret, and conveyed to Mr Barker the board's good wishes.