POWER-LINE EXTENSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19418, 28 August 1926, Page 12

POWER-LINE EXTENSION

SERVICE TO RURAL AREAS. NUIVIEROUS REQUESTS MADE. INSPECTION BY THE BOARD. In response to demands from remote parts of the Manukau County for electric power a tour of over 80 miles was made yesterday by the Auckland Electric Power Board with the object of investigating the claims. The party travelled in five motor-cars, under the guidance of the engineering staff. The first stop was at Westney Road. Mangere, where a service for five consumers would require extension of the high and low tension wires for lj miles. It was stated reticulation would cost the usual rate of £6OO a mile, or £9OO for the full length. To meet interest charges on the expenditure & minimum annual return of £9O would be required This could not bo assured unless the offer of one resident to be personally responsible for this minimum was accepted. At Pukaki Road, Mangei'e, it was pointed out that poles had been placed to provide .power to the motor speedway to be constructed in the lagoon. Pending construction of the • race-track, nothing had been done and three residents on the road were applying for electricity. Walroa Road Extension. The site of a proposed extension on the Waii'oa Road toward Clevedon, sponsored by a member, Mr. F. M. Waters, was next visited. This section is over one mile from the board's power-lines at Papakura and there are only 11 dwelliugs which could benefit by the extension. Five of the householders have given undertakings to instal electric light and the maximum revenue expected is estimated at £4O, of considerably less than the interest charges on one milo extension, costing £6OO. A visit was made to Clevedon in connection with, a petition from 46 ratepayers who expressed willingness to use electric power. Members remarked on the scattered situation of the homesteads and the extensive high and low tension reticulation to meet a small demand.

Mr., R. PI. Bartley, general manager to the board, said the connection of Clovedon with the mains at Papakura would cost about £SOOO. There would be very little demand along the route, and a greater response would be necessary if the extension was to be self-supporting. £ armers in the Clevedon district have been applicants, for electric power ! in increasing numbers. The encouraging results achieved in the Waikato have resulted in a fuller appreciation of-the application of electricity to farming needs. A milking m&chins driven by electric power has the advantages of cleanliness, silence and simplicity over petrol enginepower. Experience has shown that the electric power cost for milking 60 cowb is only £6 a quarter. A two horse-power electric motor and eleotric-heating apparatus can be installed for less than £75. Howick and Buckland's Beach. : Returning through Papakura, the party viewed Rangi Road An extension of miles would be required to serve this locality. Of the nine residents in the area that would benefit, five have a petition. , " A trip was made along tho route to Howick now being reticulated. The work is well advanced and it is expected that power will be turned on at Howick bofore the end of the year. At least 13 milking plants in this area are to utilise electric motors. Buckland's Beach, which is included in a reticulation programme, expected to reach completion before' the end of the summer, was next inspected. Here there are 90 dwellings. Many are unoccupied during the winter, and in summer a number are used only for week-ends. A substantial petition has been presented to! the Power Board, but only, seven of tho signatories . are permanent residents. / From Howick to Panmure Bridge a few well-separated .farmhouses were indicated. The reticulation of this area has been provided for in the board's estimates but it was pointed out that the revenue' from the five miles would be less than one-third of the interest Charges.