TRAMWAY EXTENSIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20072, 9 October 1928, Page 12

TRAMWAY EXTENSIONS.

POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE. DEMAND FOR ELECTRIC POWER. LARGE EXPENDITURE NEEDED. Tlio possibility of extensions to the tramway system being undertaken by the proposed Transport Board was discussed yesterday by the Auckland Electric-Power Board, which anticipates the new board will make heavy demands upon the electrical undertaking for more power. "Considerable tramway extensions, which are long overdue, will probably liavo to be put in hand when the Transport Board gets to work," said tho chairman. Mr. W. J. Holdsworth. "Thcso extensions will necessitate on our part the erection of father sub-stations, involving largo capital expenditure. It will not do for us to linger too long and find that tramway extensions are overtaking us." The chairman moved that the general manager be requested to furnish a report to tho next meeting, indicating the approximate now capital ho would need to meet the board's requirements in the next few years. Reserves had been earmarked up to 1930 and tho loan money was now practically exhausted. Increased demands for power were, nevertheless, still coming in, and, with the bringing into u,',o of tho first turbino at Arapuni, an all-roand impetus to tho board's demands mig'.it be expected. In addition to trainways, tho new railway workshops at Otahuliu would be making heavy calls for power, and tho domestic and lighting loads woro growing daily. Electric stoves were being installed at tho rate of 30 a week, Mr. Holdsworth added, and wator motors at tho rate of 50 a week. In face of this progress tho board would shortly liavo to strengthen greatly a number of the areas already reticulated. As an instance of what was being done, two blocks of flats in course of erection would require 29 and 18 electric stoves respectively. There was also tlie question of increasing the supply to tho farming areas. Mr. E. H. Potter asked whether tho future electrification of tho suburban railways was being taken into account. The general manager, Mr. li. M. Bartley, said the position was already in inind and two sites had been reserved for the necessary sub-stations. Ho did not think auv further move would bo made with regard to railway electrification for 18 months. The motion was carried.