Reticulation Work In Power Board Area

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1941, Page 4

Reticulation Work In Power Board Area

The proposed extension of the North Auckland Electric-Power Board’s reticulation system in the Mangakahia. district had been costed as far as Parakao, with branch lines, the engineer (Mr T. R. Overton) reported to the monthly meeting of the board in Dargaville on Thursday.

With signed and estimated annual revenue at £1216 10/ there remained a deficiency of £303. Survey work had been proceeding in the Parua Bay and Whananaki districts, he continued.

Delays Through Service

The canvass at Waipu Cove had not been completed, some bach owners to be interviewed still remaining. Preliminary estimates indicated that there would be a deficiency, necessitating a re-canvass. Between Titoki and Pakotai in the Mangakahia area, 73 settlers had signed guarantees totalling £1445. A start had been made on the canvass at Otaikarangi and £lO5 per annum had been guaranteed to date. Some delays had occurred in estimating and making surveys for new work owing to Territorial training and overseas enlistments -among members of the drawing office staff, but he hoped these would be overtaken in the near future. Skilled linesmen had been similarly affected, but the engineer was sure the board would appreciate the difficulties and the great importance of military duties. During the period 27 new consumers had been added, bringing the total to 4309. Supplies Of Copper Mr J. N. McCarroll commented that the new consumers did not appear to be increasing very fast, the chairman (Mr J. A. McLean) stating that much of the difficulty, was through the scarcity of material. Asked by • Mr J. A. S. MacKaj. what was the position regarding supplies -of copper,, the. chairman said

that 10 tons had been landed recently and it was likely there would be further supplies later. Two lots of 10 tons each had been sunk by enemy action.

Mr F. Elliott asked if anything further was being done in reticulation of the Otaikarangi district, residents of which believed that the installation would be a payable proposition for the board.

The chairman said the position would be reported upon to the next meeting.