Horawhenua Power Board

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 227, 26 September 1935, Page 9

Horawhenua Power Board

SEPTEMBER MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Ilorowhenua Electric Power Board took placo in the board’s room on Tuesday morning. Tkero were present: Messrs G. A. Monk (chairman), W. Barber, T. G. Vincent, J. K. Hornblow, D. Richards, A. E. Hyde, C. S. Kcedwcll, E. W. Vickerman, A. Seifert, E. J. "{unsay (treasurer), and J. A. Smith (engineer).

Application Tor Donation.

The Shannon Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club wrote asking if the Board could mako a donation towards the electricity cooking prizes at a forthcoming show.

The Chairman stated that ho took it the Club was desirous of conr'.eting its schedule and he asked the Secretary to intimate that the Board would give 10s Cd.

On tho motion of Mr Richards this action was endorsed.

Request Por Power.

Mr K. D. Jones wrote applying for power to his property, “Tho Heights,” Waikanao and suggested that a representative of the Board call on him and discuss tho matter.

The Chairman advised that tho extension of the existing line would amount to 19 chains and thought that the Engineer or Mr Meddings could call on tho applicant, discuss tho matter and then report back to the Board. Adopted.

Passengers On Board Vehicles,

Mr Vickerman raised the question of the liability of the Board in the event of one of its vehicles meeting with accident when a person, being given a lift in it, suffered injury. He asked if the Board had an insurance cover. The Chairman replied that the Board had no insuraco cover over such a claim, but employees were not permitted to allow people to ride in Board vehicles.

It was considered that there may be a risk and tho matter was referred ,lo the Finance Committee.

Capital Works,

Prior to tho meeting, the Finance Committee met and as' a result recommended that £IO,OOO new loan money be raised for capital works in hand and for those in sight. The chief of these were the new sub-station at Paraparaurnu and tho construction of a private telephone line.—Adopted. Water Supply Power Rate.

In reference to the request of the Hutt County Council for a reduction in the power rate for pumping water at Paraparaumu Beach, the engineer reported that one pump had been tested and tho cost was equal to 2£d per 1000 gallons, while when the two jumps wero working-the cost was 2.72 d per 1000 gallons. Further, tho pumping work was definitely done on all peak loads. Mr Vickerman expressed the hope that some small reduction would be made. Mr Keedwell considered the rate a cheap one as some were paying as much as 6d and Sd' for power to pump water. On the motion of the Chairman the communication was received and it was decided to advise the Council that the Board could not sec its way to make any reduction in the rate at the present time.

Treasurer’s Report,

The Treasurer gave the following

statement showing tho increase in revenue for the period ended »August 31st:— Increase. Units. Amt. t . s £ Domestic —Lighting- and heating, all electric rate 29,765 243 CommercialLighting 5,720 109 Heating 1 13 Power 121,981 609 Waterheaters .... 84 Totals .... 157,474 1058 Less discount 70 a Total £9BB The net revenue for the period was £17,243. The increaso over last year being 157,474 in units and £2BB in revenue. Under the heading of domestic lighting and heating, it is pleasing to see that despite the reductions given, the revenue has advanced by £243. rr !iere has.now been a complete reading in the whole district sinco the new rate came into forco, and practically all accounts showing a saving, changed to that rate. Tho worst period in the introduction of the rate has thus been passed; worst for two reasons—(firstly that the last reading was the heaviest for lighting, which, of i urse, shows tho greatest reduction on tho new rate, and secondly that tho benefit from increased consumption as a result of lowered charges was only beginning to be felt. We shall, however, have to wait for a considerable time before we can say with certainty just what the effect has boon. In tho meantime, it does appear that new consumers plus increased consumption, will go a long way towards balancing tho concession in charges. Next month tho half yearly statement of income and expenditure will be placed before members.

Cooking Demonstration: A display of electrical appliances and a demonstration of cooking by oloctricity was given at tho Otaki Horticultural Society’s Show on September 6th, The Otaki Inspector, Mr Mortiboy, was responsible for a fine display being made. Tlio .demonstration of cooking given by Mrs Kilmister created much interest. Altogether tho exhibit was a very effective one, aud distinctly a success as a means of advertising the use of electricity.

Sundry Debtors: Tho total at last balance was, Current Accounts £3814, hire purchase £lsll, total £5325. The current accounts aro down by £238 on last month. Four consumers were disconnected for non-payment o'f accounts.

Engineer’s Report.

The Engineer gave the following report covering tho period sinco August 14th:—

During tho period 19 new service lines wero run, extra phases run on 11 existing services, and 1 service line altered and made heavier. Twentyseven poles havo been carted out, fitted and erected and 398 chains of wire have been run. Short extensions to existing L.T. lines have been made at Kawatiri, Itangiuru, and Tokormuru. Heavier grade cables havo been run on Potts Road, Paraparaumu Beach Road, and Convent Road, Otaki. Tile changing to heavier wires on Queen Street West and Weraroa Road North, of Queen Street has been complotod. A section of the telephono lino has been built- at Manakau, and the hut erected and direct communication betwen Manakau and Levin is in operation, and it is expected to have the telephone line completed to the Otaki Substation by tho end of the week.

Installations: During tho period 28 applications have been rocoived from now consumers, and 47 for extensions to existing installations, included in which aro 18. ranges, 14 waterheators, 5 bro'odors, 6 milking, 4 separator and 8 induptrial motors. Eightoen new consumers and 36 extensions havo been connected comprising 12 lighting and heating installations, 12 ranges, 11 waterheaters, 10 milking and separator motors and 5 industrial motors. Making a total inereaso of 158.299 k.w.

General: I would ask for authority to 1 purchase against quotations being received 195 poles of various sizes at an approximate cost of £B7O. A number of theso poles will bo required in connection with the socond point of supply at Paraparaumu Valley, and somo for the branch lino to the Otaki Sanatorium.