THE TEVIOT ELECTRIC POWER BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3611, 29 May 1923, Page 27

THE TEVIOT ELECTRIC POWER BOARD.

A PROGRESS RETORT. Mr J. 11. Waigth, chairman of the Teviot E’ectric Power Board, has submitted to the board a report surveying the results that have been accomplished to date. A very large number of firms tendered for the various equipment required by tho board, and it was pleasing to note that the prices quoted were much under the estimates of the engineer, a notable drop having occurred in all lines. In September tenders were accepted for the supply of poles, wire, transformers, jpd insulators, and practically alb of these goods have been delivered. The following month tenders were ’et for the supply of powerhouse equipment, comprising turbine, generator, and switchgear, and this was due to arrive by the end of June or this year, and it was hoped that current would be available by j illy. The first arrangements for a ’oan of £15,003 were made with tlie Public Trust Office, but owing to the delay, through no fault ot the board, in securing its license from the Public Works Department, the Public Trustee was unable to wait the convenience of the board and fre3h arrangements had to be made. Meantime it was being found that owing to the exceptionally favourable state of the market it was desirable arid advantageous to extend the purchase cf material, and it was decided to borrow £25,000. Debentures for this amount were issued and taken up by the Bank of New Zealand. During November the board was approached by the Public Works Department which had taken over the plant of the Teviot Molyneux Company and proposed utilising it for irrigation for Roxburgh East, suggesting the amalgamation of its irrigation pipe line with the Power Board’s newer line. Though it was evident that this would mean deferring for some months the completion oi the electric scheme, the board felt that in the interest of the whole district, it was worthy of consideration. Conferences v.-ere held with the Public Works engineers and the settlers interested, and a satisfactory basis cf negotiation was arrived at. Sufficient plant is being retained to connect from the Government syphon and the remainder as well as Ihe Ladysmith race is being handed over to the Public’ Works Department, the board receiving a monetary consideration of £1287. With the altered head it was found necessary to cancel tlie order for the power-house equipment and submit new specifications. Early in March orders were given for the supply of two Pelton wheels for 235 horsepower each, and two generators as well as all necessary switch-gear. This plant is due for delivery within the next four months. The board is now m a position to gynerate up to 1000 horse-power if necessary, and provision will be made to install tb" extra units when tho demand for power . ...wants. At tire beginning of the year actual work of reticulation was commenced under the control of Mr W. Berryman as line-foreman. Since the erection of the first pole on February 12, the board's staff has been engaged in the erection of poles at Roxburgh East and right through the Coal Creek district. Work will shortly be commenced below the borough, and by" tho employment of additional labour every effort will lie made to push on the construction work so that as much as possible of the district will be reticulated by the time the power-lrcuse equipment is in position. At the present time householders are being canvassed by the engineer, who reports a very satisfactory response. Once this is completed tenders will be called for the wiring of houses which are entrusted to the board and customers connected to the main lines. In conclusion, Mr Waigth says: I wish on behalf ot' the board to thank its engineer, Mr Aldridge, for tlie interest and enthusiasm he lias displayed in connection with Ins duties. His unfailing courtesy at all times has made it a pleasure to be associated with him, and the board is confident that under his direction, the work will be completed in a manner that will reflect credit upon tho district as well as himself. Reference must also be made to tlie board's secretary, Mr Cockburn, who lias proved himself an obliging officer, to whom nothing is too much trouble where the interests of the beard are concerned. I also desire to thank members for their enthusiastic assistance at all times. As a body wve have had many difficulties and anxieties, and numerous setbacks, but they have been met unflinchingly and the bright optimism always displayed has been most encouraging and inspiring. In the work of the past three years wo have placed behind us the worries and troubles inseparable from, the initial stages of a- new undertaking. From now on our energies must bo directed in boosting up the completion of the scheme and bringing it to a payable point. With this object in view, lot us by every means in our power, popularise the use of electricity, so that from end to end -of this valley it will become the handmaid cf the housewife, the servant of the producer, and the constant source of comfort and convenience to every man. woman, and child in our district.