Reticulation Is In Sight For Waipu Area

Northern Advocate, 8 January 1938, Page 5

Reticulation Is In Sight For Waipu Area

At its December meeting the North Auckland Power Board instructed that a letter be sent to the Waipu Dairy Company stating it was uncertain whether the reticulation of the Waipu district could be proceeded with unless the company lock a supply of power at its factory, and requesting consideration of the matter by the company.

Yesterday, the chairman, Mr J. A. McLean, told the board that the secretary and engineer had visited Waipu. Negotiations were successful and the dairy company had decided to instal electricity in its factory. Reticulation was now possible in that area. In his written report, the engineer, Mr T. R. Overton,, stated: “Waipu is being re-canvassed and increased guarantees in a number of instances asked for. The Waipu Dairy Company has agreed to take supply and this, with other increases, should ensure Waipu district being commenced at an early date." Further Guarantees.

To this, Mr Overton verbally gave a more detailed report, presenting information that was not previously available.

He said that after the meeting at Waipu an additional £503 was required. The re-canvass brought in guarantees of £509 10/.

“Waipu,” Mr Overton commented, “has done its part. Those able to do so have come forward and taken over the guarantees for the five-year period.” Now he wanted to go ahead with the work cs quickly as possible.

Guarantees were quite adequate to cover capital expenditure, he said. There were 53 milking machines and 23 ranges to start off with. Mr J. N. McCarroll, inquiring the route the line was to take, was informed that it was intended to take the power straight over from Mareretu.

Replying to questions by Mr J. A. S. Mac Kay and Mr McCaiToli. the engineer indicated that certaiij areas of the Waipu district were not covered. Ruakaka people, for instance, had not been canvassed although they had shown keen interest.

Mr A. J. McKay then took the opportunity to point out that, while at previous meetings criticism of Waipu had been voiced, it was a fact that a considerable proportion of the riding had not been canvassed.

Question of Roads

In the course of general business. Mr McKay also drew >he attention of the board to the arrangements made some time ago- under which county councils had agreed to put in order the road that would be used by the board when reticulation between Mareretu and Waipu was commenced. He moved that the Whangarei and Otamatca counties be asked to put the roads in order. The motion was seconded by Mr Collins. Mr Overton said that the matter referred to by Mr McKay was actually an arrangement made, and not a promise. The board now knew that they wanted the use of the lower road. The effect of the motion is to advise the two counties accordingly.