HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18169, 15 August 1922, Page 8

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

THAMES VALLEY SCHEME.

KEEN DEMAND FOR SUPPLY.

PROGRESS OF RETICULATION.

Tlie electrical reticulation of the great dairy farm, geographically known as the Thames Valley, represents the largest piowser board scheme of hydro-electricity in the Dominion. It is also the first, in service. The total area within the scope of is 2300 square miles, embracing five counties, four boroughs, and a town district. In March of last year the scheme was inaugurated, and since then the work of reticulation has gone forward steadily. There have been many handicaps and delays for which the constructional and administrative authorities have been m no way responsible. In some districts, tor example, the engineers have been hindered by the undesirable condition of the roads. Frequently lorry work has been impossible and the only method that could be adopted was to leave the transport of poles to local farmers. There has also been a shortage of wire cm occasion, while a quantity of essential equipment was lost in the wreck of the Wiltshire. In spite of these difficulties, substantial progress has been made.

There are 180 workers engaged on_ construction - throughout the area of reticulation. The work Has been a timely boon to the district, without which unemployment distress would have been acute. Over 700 miles of line-routes have been surveyed, while several hundred mile 3 of transmission wires have been linked up to the mains. Already there are approximately 1000 consumers. About 400 milking machines are now within reach of the supply mains and will soon be connected. ti ins for power for the dairying industry alamo total 2COO. Everywhere the demand for electric lighting and power steadily increases.

Substantial office buildings, with an appearance of permanent solidity, have been erected at To Aroha, where an attractive display-shop of electric fittings and the latest domestic labour-saving appliances reminds the residents that the ago of kprosone is passing. An efficient staff has all the technical details of supply and administration at the ready service of customers and inquirers. Even in its present state of immaturity the system possesses all the features of success. The cost of electrically lighting a fiverromed farmhouse, together with one light each in cowshed and stable, and a heating plant for iron, grill or toaster is set down as 2s 3|d per week. It is even cemputed that a modern 16 c.p. electric .lamp can bo alight for five minutes for the price of one wooden safety match. Tho practical farmer, however, prefers to calculate the cost at the scheduled price of 8d per unit rather than in terms of the value of matches. While many consumers complain that the cost is surprisingly high in comparison with charges in other countries, the majority of users and applicants for supply keenly support the development of the scheme. This is not surprising, for already in many parts of the progressive district tho former terrors of a winter's night in a country village disappear before the friendiy brightness of electricity.