THAMES VALLEY POWER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18550, 7 November 1923, Page 11

THAMES VALLEY POWER.

OPERATIONS OF BOARD. [BE TELEGRAPH.OWN CO-RESPONDENT.] TB AKOHA. Tuesday. The Thames Valley Power Board met at Te Aroha to-day, Mr. F. ■H. Claxton presiding. A letter from the Australian Mutual Provident Society stated that its solicitors had handed in debenture No. <s for £10,000. representing the second draw which the board was to take on November 1, . A settler wrote contending that it was unfair for the board to charge on the same basis for a light in a cowshed as for one in a dwelling. During the last few weeks, wrote an English firm, a "ring" had been formed by the whole of the English porcelain makers and they had advanced their prices, in some cases enormously. The firm found that it could not execute orders at the prices quoted. This particularly affected porcelains. The firm, therefore, had no alternative but to advise the board that the prices on a quotation had been definitely cancelled. The New Zealand Dairy/Co., Hamilton, intimated that at a representative gathering of committees of suppliers it was resolved to ask the board, on behalf of the suppliers in their areas for a reduction in charges for power for milking machines. The matter is to be taken up with the Government.

The secretary of the River Murray Commission, Melbourne, asked for information regarding ■ the use of electricity in New Zealand, in view of a proposal by the commission to utilise the Hume reservoir for hydro-electric development. The information is to be given. Mr. J. M. Smith, writing in connection with the Orongo School, asked the board to make a low estimate for installing lights and supplying power. The board regretted that • o concession could be made.

The total number of consumers connected for the month ended October 31 was 22P7. Consumers in Thames and Te Aroha borough are not included. There are now 804 motors connected to date, of which 'TOO are 2-h.p. milking motors. ' A very great demand is now coming foi water heaters, and those already installed are giving every satisfaction to the farmers.