Interference With Lines

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6625, 11 August 1931, Page 2

Interference With Lines

OFFENDERS LIABLE TO FINE UNDER THE ACT.

“Any person doing such work as digging earth away from poles or in any way interfering with a power line, is liable to a fine of £2O under Government Supply Regulations, and this board's by-laws,” stated Mr. W. A. Waters, chief engineer, at yesterday’s meeting of the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board. “At tho corner of Makowhai factory recently a drain had boon cleaned out and the silver pine blocking timber across the top of the drain had been dug out and put on the bank of drain. Fortunately this action was discovered when the pole had leaned over bringing the power wires perilously close to the Post and Telegraph Department’s main Auckland-Wollington tolophone and telegraph circuits,” ho said, citing one case. ‘ 1 Proceedings should be taken against any person doing work that endangers our linos, which are erected by statutory authority. Some of the local bodies’ employees seem to think they can do as they like, and this board should take steps to protect its legal rights.” The chairman (Mr. J. A. Nash M.P.) said that this opened up a big question as one of the great dangers was that some of the lines were “alive 11 when bending over. The offences would havo to be brought before the local bodies concerned as, apart from tho loss and inconvenience to tho board, the danger was a salient feature.

Mr. J. Hodgens added that, at the invitation of the chief engineer, he had inspected the damage in another case, and could not imagine for a moment how people in authority could allow employees to do such a thing. The cost of repairs had amounted to £27 15s, added the engineer. The board decided to ask the Kairanga County Council to pay this amount, while in regard to the Makowhai corner it was resolved to acquaint the Manawatu County Council of the circumstances. Further, it was xesolved to warn ail drainage boards and other local bodies in the district, not to touch poles without the consent of the engineer.