INCREASED SALES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27221, 26 October 1949, Page 3

INCREASED SALES

Demand For Electric Supply

Sales of electricity .by the Waitaki Electric Power Board for the six months ended September 30, show an increase of 9 per cent, on the corresponding period of last year. The greatest increases are found in domestic uses (£1414), commercial lighting (£1014) and domestic waterheating (£826). The figures for the period are £49,184, compared with £44,965, an increase of £4219; and for September £13,490 compared with £11,914, an increase of £1576.

This position was shown in the secretary’s report to the board yesterday morning. Accounts amounting to £23,042 4s 5d (power fund £19,650 13s sd, and loan account £3385 11s), were passed for payment.

Mr A. B. Lang was in the chair, and there were also present Messrs A. H. H. Pearce, A. R. Tait, J. Gerrie, M. F. E. Coonfcy, D. E. Neave, G. O. Pringle, J. Newlands . and J. I. McEwan. The North Otago Citizens' Association wrote requesting the installation of a light in the bus shelter between Foyle and Lynn streets.—Mr Pearce moved that the light be installed, but' there was no seconder, as it was pointed out that there was a street light nearby. Consideration of the request was deferred till the next meeting, the motion being withdrawn. Members congratulated Mr Brown on his appointment as official delegate to represent Otago at the convention of the New Zealand 'Society of Accountants, and also Mr C. F. Jones on his selection to give a paper at tile convention. It was stated that this was the first time Waitaki had represented Otago, and it was an honour to the board for the present secretary and the ex-secretary to be so selected. Mr Lang submitted his reports as the board’s delegate to the annual conferences of the South Island Local Bodies Association and of the Electric Power Boards' Association. He specially dealt with publicity for the South Island and with the development of hydro-electric supply.—He and the executive officers, who also submitted reports, were tfianked.—lt was agreed to take a full page advertisement in the North Otago Guide Book. The engineer, Mr N. A. Davidson, reported that 74 concrete poles had been made during the month, bringing the total to 2557. Extensions had been commenced to supply State houses in Arundel street., This month the number of new country services (13) and pilot water-heating services (19) was a record. Mr Davidson stated that the Waitemata Board, which was the first authority in New Zealand to carry out an 18 months course for the training of linesmen, and to present the trainees for examination, was verv gratified with the improvement in line work as a result of the instruction course. An Advisory Committee was set up bv the conference in order to have uniform training and a standard examination.