ELECTRIC POWER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 April 1934, Page 8

ELECTRIC POWER

BOARD TAKES OVER MOTUEKA PLANT

21 HOURS’ SERVICE TO BE INTRODUCED

The monthly meeting of the Waimea Electric Power Board was concluded yesterday afternoon at 5.40 p.m. The consulting engineers wrote regarding the resumption of the Motueka boipugh plant. They recommended the taking over of control of the works until tile construction of the hydro electric scheme in the Brooklyn Valley was completed would he in the host interests ol the board and the consumers. Estimates were given for providing a 24 hours service for six days a week. The recommendation was adopted. Mr Pi. J. L. York said it was essential that the plant should be under the con-j trol of the board. I

The chairman (Mr Herbert Everett) said it would be made quite clear that tile Motueka plant would be worked for tile board directly by the consulting engineers. Mr York said (he Borough Council had finished with tilt matter, and it was for the board to make the arrangements for staff, etc. Mr Greenslade pointed out that Mr Swinburn was an employee of Messrs Vickerman and Lancaster and not of the hoard. The engineers could arrangetheir own control. M'r G. W. McDonald: “The staif would have to take its instructions from the engineers’ appointee?” The chairman: “Yes.” It was decided that a 24-hour shift be run, and that the nresent Motueka power house staff of four be employed until such time when hvdro-power would be available. The wages to be paid to tiie shift engineers are at the respective rates qf £275, £260 ss, and £225. the fourth member to have 10s per day, with 14s per power house shift once a week. It was recommended by Mr Lancaster that the present tariffs be maintained until the next meeting hv which time a survey would be completed and a tariff formulated which would be more attractive than the present tariff in Motueka, and suitable to the outer area to be served temporarily from the present plant and the new Diesel engine being installed. The board could not work out its tariff yet for tile hydro supply. The consulting engineers were asked to supervise the supply from the Motueka borough plant until construction of the hydro scheme was completed (in September) at the rate of £IBO per year. Part of tile Tasman and Riwaka areas which are now being wired will have supply available from Motueka after May, four months before the Brooklyn Valley hydro scheme will be completed. Accounts amounting to £SBB 14s 9d were passed for payment. WAIMEA SCHEME The consulting engineers submitted tlie following summary of Mr Sargent’s reports for the period 17th March’to 9th April: Water Supply: V erv low water was reported for the third week of March. On the 26th tlie river rose 5 feet causing trouble at the lower station and necssitating the running of the - oil engine. Tlie river is now still above normal. A and B Head works: By the fresh above referred to, the intake bars were washed away, necessitating repairs, which have been carried out during the past two weeks. C. and H. Plant: During the shutdown No. 2 turbine was overhauled, the gates were renovated and new guides installed. A cracked coupling was replaced, bevels re-bored and bushed, and gate operating gear renewed. Two bearing beams (iron rails) have been set in position in penstock to replace defective bearers, and a new beam is being placed under tlie bevel gears. No. 1 turbine is now being re-assembled, and we are informed that it will be complete and in service by Monday next. E. and F. Distribution and Service Linns: Tlie following .extract from report 26/3/34 indicates the position regarding connections: No service lines j have been erected during tlie week, owing to the fact that urgent work lias

required attention at upper power station. There are a number of installations requiring connection to our lines, and a good number ahead. I would recommend mi additional linesman be employed immediately. There should be ample work to keep him going permanently ns our inspector is well behind with inspections and meter installations. There have been complaints about services not being connected promptly, and it is impossible for our staff to keep up with this work.

Defective poles were replaced near Annesbrook crossing in the main line, and one at Wakatn, and repairs were effected following on a collision between a car uucl a pole on the main road. Voltage Tests: At our request Mr Sargent is having tests made at different points of the district with a view to arriving at possible measures to improve the general service. Tests in connection with high voltage lines in Orchards: A test was arranged at Brightwater in connection with (lie proposed use of high voltage lines in the Tasman area.

Inspection of Lilies: During the month the area was visited by Mr Millar, inspecting engineer of the Public Works Department hydro electric branch. On Saturday, the 7th insl,, Mr Lancaster, accompanied by Mr Sargent and Mr Williams, and during the afternoon bv Mr Swinburn, went over the lines to obtain information necessary in connection with estimates and reports to be placed before the board. Tlie report was adopted.