SOUTHLAND POWER BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22081, 11 October 1933, Page 4

SOUTHLAND POWER BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING (Special to Daily Times.) INVERCARGILL, October 10. The Southland Electric Power Board held its monthly meeting to-day. Mr W. Hinchey presided, and there were also present Messrs J. T. Carswell, G. M'Chesney, G. Wraytt, D. J. Heenan, P. Arnott, W. M. Norman, A. A. Mac Gibbon, T. Golden, A. Le H. Hoyles, E. K. Sim, and J. D. Rodger. CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT. The chief engineer (Mr L. B. Hutton) reported as follows on the operations for the month ended September 30:— . . Power Station.—The month's output was 1,782,020 units, which gives a daily average of 67,530. The highest observed peak was 5240 k.w. on the 26th, and the highest half-hourly peak 5200 between 11.30 and 12 noon on Tuesday, September 12. Four point fourteen inches of rain fell; most pf it on the loth, 16th, and 17th. This caused the lake to jump on the 17th from the 10ft mark up to lift sin, and the discharge down the river increased in proportion, causing it to rise to 30 inches above zero. The lake took three days to fall back to the lift mark. The average discharge down the river was 671 cusecs, whereas only 254 were used in the power house. During the month alterations were made to certain of the fences, netting shifted, and 1300 young trees planted out. Winton Area. —Seven service lines were erected, four in the Orepuki area, and three nearer home. Further high tension overhaul was done at Otahuti and at Mossburn. In the Nightcaps township certain of the low tension was rearranged. Gore Area.-r-There were rib lengthy interruptions in this area, and only eight momentary ones, these latter probably being due to winds. Invercargill Area.—No. 5 feeder gave trouble on the 12th, due to a broken, 11,000 volt wire and defective fuse base, and No. 3 was partly out of action on the same day, due to a fuse base. On the 18th, No. 3 had a series .of intermittent trips in the early morning which were finally traced to a broken lightning arrester at Edendale.. , Seven service lines were erected, five being for lighting and two for motors.

House Wiring.—Twenty new consumers were secured during the month, which brings the grand total up to 9981. Fourteen installations were connected and 30 extensions made to old jobs. Twentyseven motors of a total horse power of 48 were added, and the additional load altogether amounted to 78 k.w. Reinspections of installations were continued, and the additional 54 brings the total to date to 3947.

The report was adopted. SECRETARY'S REPORT.

The secretary (Mr Charles Campbell) reported as follows for the month of September:— A debit of £32,947 19s 5d is shown in the main power fund account, but the other accounts, including power fund account No. 3 (fixed deposit) of £63,000, leaves a total credit balance of £44,449 4s 9d. , The overdraft shows an improvement; of £8123 14s 7d, and credit funds an ;improvement of £6OO 3s Id. Had the board paid the September interest in sterling, then the overdraft instead of showing an improvement of £8123, would have shown a drift of £2189. Cash receipts from sale of electrcity, etc., up to September 30, in comparison with the same period last year, are as follows: — ,1932-33. 1933-34. General accounts .. £59.851 £60,523 Advance payments .. 3,805 3,370 £03,656 £63,893 Less refunds and transfers 589 521 £63,067 £63,372 Income from general electricity accounts at this date is £740 above the previous year, while advance payments are £435 below the previous year. Overall the increase above the previous year is £305. The problem of outstanding accounts lias presented very considerable difficulty during the half-year, although, on the whole the desire of our consumers to keep up their payments has been very reassigning. Mauy consumers hitherto most regular in their payments felt, somewhat keenly, the position of falling into serious arrears. Every encouragement and help has been given to sincere difficult cases, where the consumers were prepared to do their best by way of instalments. This factor is causing a pronounced drop in revenue in certain cases, but there is a compensating increase of business in other directions, e.g., 20 new consumers were found during September, 27 motors were added —the total new load for the month amounting to 78 k.w. The classification of otistanding installation accounts has been under review, and relative schedules will be tabled to enable members of the board to give guidance in particular cases. Showroom business has been dull, but now that the farmers' main revenue season has commenced, the time is more opportune to push sales of equipment, and activity in that direction is in hand. The report was adopted.