ELECTRIC SUPPLY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 30 January 1936, Page 9

ELECTRIC SUPPLY

WAIMEA POWER BOARD MONTHLY MEETING CONCLUDED The monthly meeting of the Waimea Power Board was concluded yesterday afternoon when there were present : Messrs H. Everett (chairman), \v. Max, F. W. Greenslade, L. A. Higgins, C. B. Webby and 1L J. V. York. A letter was received from Mr W. Gould, lalnma complaining of the supply-

The secretary reported that the reticulation was not heavy enough to carry the load wliic’li was required at times at lahuna.

.Mr Greenslade said the light at Lahuna was good but at times appliances did not operate as well as they might be expected to. The board could not at present bring the reticulation up to date. .

Il was' decided that the engineer re port to the hoard oil the cost of improving the reticulation.

Messrs iSilcock Bros., Brightwater, drew attention to the unsafe condition of the bridge across the right-of-way at the water race.

It was decided that the chairman and Mr Max report on the.matter. Mr A. E. Shuttleworth asked for a reduction in the cost of power in view of his being a large consumer. A committee was set up to report on the matter and to report on a system for reduced charges to users of more than a certain number of units.

_The Chief Electrical Engineer (Mr Kissel) asked for a reply in regard to requisitions resulting from an inspection of tile Waimea plant and reticulation. It was decided to reply stating that as soon as bulk supply is definitely in 1 view a loan proposal would be placed beiore tile ratepayers; in the meantime it would be impossible to finance the required improvements. Mr Sargent reported On necessary cleaning work to be undertaken in the water race at Brightwater. The chairman and Messrs Max and Webby were constituted a committee with authority to spend £SO on the work. j

MOTUEKA DIESEL It was reported that the Diesel plant at Motueka was now in operation for testing purposes. It was decided that- a test of two months bo carried out, running 6 hours per day with 2 starts each morning and afternoon and that the engine be run at from 75 to 100 per cent, full load. It was also decided to ask the supplying company to stand half the cost of running the engine during the test. EXTENSION OF SERVICE IN RICHMOND The Waimea Engineer recommended that concrete poles be made at Brightwater and that an extension of the service be made at Richmond to include Hill street, the estimated cost being £SO.

Mr Webby said he could see no obstacle if the cost was about £SO as the revenue in one year alone would reimburse the board for its expenditure. Seven consumers would be connected

mediately. When the consumers were

there and the power available it would be a pity if the chance was not accepted. Mr Max considered the work should be done. An additional £SO would not affect the balance sheet. It was decided that the Hill street extension be approved and that the worn be undertaken in the new financial year. The construction of concrete poles was held over until the new financial year. MINIMUM CHARGES After a discussion on minimum charges it was decided to enforce the minimum charges on installations. It was decided to inform the Anchor Company that the minimum charge would be enforced, but the service could be disconnected during the months it was not required. It was decided that a wash-out near the spillway at the Brooklyn dam be repaired, the estimate cost being £ls. OUTAGE AT BROOKLYN The Motueka engineer reported on a break down at the Brooklyn works on 2nd January from 1.30 p.m. till 11.30 p.m., and outlined the efforts made to restore ’ the service. The cause of the stoppage was the reversing of the oscillator.