HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 16

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

THE WAiTEMATA BOARD. SUPPLY IN A FEW DAYS. The Waiternata Electric-Power Board met yesterday, the chairman, Mr. J. W. Hayden, presiding. A cordial welcome was extended by the chairman to the three new members elected to represent Devonport, Messrs. S. E. Kennings, G. Trevithick and T. Lamont, The Public Works Department advised that its lines ■ and sub-stations would be ready to be made " alive " on Friday and that testing would be carried out during the week-end. There was n<? reason to anticipate that the tests would be other than satisfactory, in which case the board would be supplied on Monday. Asked whether any steps were necessary to warn the public that contact with the lines was dangerous, the engineer, Mr. W. P. Gauvain, said the Public Works Department had advertised the fact that the lines would be made alive. He thought, however, that it would be helpful if the dangers of high-tension electricity were pointed out to the pupils of the schools. An article on the subject was published in the School journal some years ago. Mr. E. 0. Walton said a number 'of local bodies were desirous of holding public ceremonies to celebrate the • turning on of power for street lighting. Could a definite date be given when such power would be available ?

The chairman replied that if the Public Works Department gave supply as promised next Monday, the districts reticulated would get power on that date, although the board would be occupied a day or two in testing its own lines. Helensville, he said, was arranging a ceremony on the Wednesday, but- the official ceremony, in which the whole of the board's district would participate, would be held late in January, as the Government sub-stations would not be permanently equipped until then. At present all the switcligear was not installed, so that strictly speaking the Government's supply would be temporary until its equipment was permanently installed*

Mr. Gauvain said the board had already thoroughly inspected its lines on the North Shore and in Helensville and had found them on the whole satisfactory. It was very difficult to guarantee a steady supply, however, at first, as contingencies could not always be foretold. Thus the recent inspection had revealed several insulators which had been broken by stones thrown by boys.

Reporting on the progress of works, the engineers, Messrs. Gauvain and McLeod, stated that about 100 services had been run in Helensville and the town wiring was practically completed. Poles for the Parkhurst extension had arrived and were being railed to Helensville. The Te Atatu 11,000-volt line was wired and the transformer and switchgear were in course of erection. Poles were now available for the completion of the lowtension circuits in that district.

The 11,000-volfc underground cables to connect with the sub-station at Takapuna had been installed. One 11,000-volt circuit was completed through to Bayswater and had also been wired up as far as the Devonporfc boundary. Mr. Kennings asked when Devonport would refceive supply. • Mr. Gauvain said the first section should be supplied by the end' of January. The next section to be supplied would probably be Stanley Bay. • THE BAY OF PLENTY. TREE PLANTING QUESTION. [by TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] OPOTIKI, Monday. The Bay of Plenty Power Board met at Te Teko. A conference was held between the board and representatives of the Whakatane' County Council with regard to suggested tree planting on land vested in the council. Statistics were given showing the approximate cost of preparing the land!. After full discussion the chairman stated that the board would go fully into the matter. Accounts passed for payment totalled £1626. The chairman reported having completed the purchase of a small section behind the board's offices. His Action was approved. The tender of T. J. Burke,, £591, for alterations to the building, purchased for offices was accepted.