Power Progress

Northland Age, Volume XVI, Issue 18, 29 November 1946, Page 5

Power Progress

The following is an extract from the report of the Consulting Engineer to the Bay of Islands Power Board, Mr. L. Mandeno. This was presented to the Board at their November meeting held on Tuesday in Kaikohe. Weather conditions remain unsuitable for good production from the main industry in the Board’s district, namely dairying, and the frequent cold showers and high winds are a hinderance in line construction in the rough country where our gangs are now- operating. Nevertheless the considerable amount of work which has been done in the past six months together with the partial lifting of the restrictions on the use of power is producing appreciable results so that a distinct improvement in the revenue position should soon be apparent. Compared with the amount of energy handled in the corresponding period last year, it will be seen from what follows that our purchases of bulk power are up this month by about 18s percent. Statistics for load connections, and energy purchases are it will be recognised the barometer of revenue receiots and at present the indications are encouraging. It w-ill be seen also that there are further appreciable demands to be met for power in the Bay County, and the erection of a further transmission line to feed the southern end must soon be undertaken. Power for Waipapakauri Beach A motion carried at a previous meeting of the Bay of Islands Power Board was not in favour of extending the board’s lines to the Waipapakauri Beach baches. This motion was rescinded at the meeting of the Board held in Kaikohe on Tuesday. Mr. L. Peace (Power Board Chairman) pointed out to the Board that there were three permanent residents at Waipapakauri beach and that they had the right to electric power. The extension which will be a comparative short one will also connect up the many seaside baches, and will be quite economic to the Power Board. There was little discussion.