A NATIONAL NETWORK

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3811, 21 September 1936, Page 5

A NATIONAL NETWORK

POWER SUPPLY TO EVERY DISTRICT. A REVIEW OF THE RECENT CONFERENCE. Not the least interesting matter ot business dealt with at Friday’s meeting of the Te Awamutu Electric Power Board was the reading ot a review of business dealt with, and decisions reached, at the annual conference in Wellington last month ot the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities' Association, ot which body both Mr J. T. Johnson (chairman), and Mr D. McArthur (secretary - manager), cthe Te Awamutu Board, are executive members. r Mr Johnson read the review of the Conference chairman, Mr J. A. Nash, as follows: I think it may be said that the con- , ference of 1936 was a pronounced success and splendid work was accomplished by the delegates. As usual good results followed the conference of the Engineers' and Secretaries’ Association and the Presidents of each are entitled to congratulations for the t ble manner in which they presented fheir respective reports and explained the various remits. Amongst the Engineers’ remits was one dealing with a 5 year inspection, that it should be altered to 10 years. The work is a costly one and which it is recognised that ample protection should be given to the general public Nevertheless, owing to the time involved and the added burden to the f.nances of Boards and Supply Authorities, it was decided to definitely urge the Minister to alter the present conditions. Another remit was the illumination ot the Main Highways, the opinion being expressed that it would be much safer for night driving, and that headlights could be dispensed with. Delegates generally approved of the proposal and which, it is hoped, will meet with the Government and Departments approval. The outstanding remit submitted by the Engineers was that of nationalization and amalgamation. A committee of 12 was set up, four each from the Engineers and Secretaries and Messrs Monk, Blackley, Ball and Purnell. Full representation has been given to large and small boards and our Supply Authorities members. The Minister has already promised that no action will be taken without consulting our association and with the Committee gathering data and information from other countries, we should, with their report, be able to come to a satisfactory conclusion as to the future and be able to meet any proposals brought forward. Personally I do not think that any action will be taken in regard to the nationalisation, but I feel that the question ot distribution will play a prominent part. The Secretaries’ Association is of the opinion that a demonstrator be employed. The Association will endeavour to find one and after ascertaining the cost, will communicate with members of the Association, giving the cost per week. It will then be necessary for members to decide how long they desire to engage the demonsetratoi, and if sufficient inducement is offered, then a demonstrator will be engaged and a rota arranged. A further remit asks that a national advertising scheme be arranged. The proposal is not a new one. The Association arranged a scheme previously, but could not go on with it owing to the depression. There are difficulties to contend with as some members prefer to do their cwn advertising. The proposal, however, is being put into shape and full particulars will be sent out by the Secretary later. It is fully expected that the Government will subsidise the proposal. The Secretaries’ Association reported that while it had not been able to present any definite insurance scheme, Mr G. Brown, managing-secretary of the Wairarapa Board had secured reductions of 50 per cent, on Fire risks and 25 per cent, on other risks for his Board. Members of the Association will no doubt look for similar concessions. The question of a 5-day week was recommended to the Association for inside staff, but the Conference could not adopt the proposal and it was decided to leave the matter to members of the Association for their consideration. Superannuation has been discussed at previous conferences but without any finality. The Secretaries’ branch brought forward recommendations and these have been referred to the executive for consideration and will receive attention. Industrial Matters.—This is receiving the attention of the Secretary and a special committee. Should any points arise that affect individual members, I would ask that they immediately communicate with the Secretary. Other important remits were adopted by the Conference and these, with other matters will be passed on to the Minister by way of a deputation. Finance.—lt became necessary for me to point out to the Conference that our funds were rapidly becoming depleted. For some years we have only collected half fees. This year the full amount £768 has been collected, but the amount will be inadequate to carry on the Association’s business. Conference has appointed 6 committees to carry out very important work for the Association and this involves expense. Then again the executive and the Association felt that the amount being paid the Secretary was far too small. Mr Swain is rendering excellent service and at the present time it is a full time job instead of a part time. Added to this we have the use of his office staff when required. Consequently authority was given to the executive to increase the subscriptions for next year, 1937. It is felt that members will approve when it is taken into consideration the huge amount invested in the industry and the work that is being done (that on the part of the Committee—gratuitously). Briefly, with halt contribution last year, there was an excess over expenditure of £332. Our credit balance on Ist June, 1935, was £779 and at the same date this year £447. I estimate that cost of the running of the Association will be approximately £ll5O for the coming year and trust that the above explanation will enable members to understand the reason for « raising the annual subscription in 1937. Regret was felt that owing to like- ■ r changes the Southland Board was not represented at the Conference. We missed the familiar face of Mr Charles Campbell a past President and Secretary of the Secretaries’ branch and one who was a tower of strength to the Association. Another deplorable loss was caused through

the passing of the late Mr G. I.auchlan, a past President and member of tne executive of the Engineers’ branch. He did much in furthering the interests of the branch. His advice and knowledge was always freely given at our annual conference. Special reference was made to the deceased gentleman at the conference, and a letter of sympathy ordered to be sent to his family. In conclusion I desire to commend the action of our Secretary in visiting members of our Association in both Islands. Mr Swain having completed the South Island, hopes to be able to tour the North Island before Christmas, when members will have the opportunity of discussing matters concerning the Association and placing any difficulties they may be labouring Under before him. I also desire to thank the executive for their hearty co-operation and as evidence ot the good feeling at the conference, the w’hole ot the executive was re-elected with the addition of Mr Evans, Chairman of the North Canterbury Board in place of Southland. May I convey my personal thanks to the Association for the honour they did me in re-electing me as President for the 14th consecutive year. I have the honour to be, J. A. NASH, President. OPENING THE CONFERENCE, MINISTER’S ADDRESS. Congratulated Association on its past work. Distribution had brought many amenities to community. Further avenues of usefulness yet to be explored. A national asset and amenity which should be made available to every home, one in which the outback home should have a share. Some idea of the growth and magnitude of this National undertaking could be gathered from the fact that to-day an expenditure of £33,000,000 had been incurred, £13,000,000 by Government and £20,000,000 by S.A. For 1935-36 the Unit output by Government stations was 793,101,000 units with a max. D. 153,580 K.W. Last year the Government revenue had for first time exceeded one million being £1,040,649. Industry to date had paid all operating charges and interest on capital involved, had a depreciation reserve of £950,988, a sinking fund of £326,500 and a general reserve of £175,809, earning 6.55 per cent. Mr Johnson amplified the report, saying that the Minister, Hon. R. Semple, had impressed him as a progressive Minister, keen to get a full understanding ot the difficulties that beset the power supply authorities. The Minister's main address, and his subsequent discussion with the delegates present at the conference, indicated that he was really desirous of increasing the use of electric power, particularly in the backblock areas, where settlers are now deprived of many of the amenities and conveniences enjoyed by people in closer-set-tled areas. Electric supply is a national undertaking, involving an investment of £13,000,000 by the State, and £20,000,000 by the supply authorities.

Commenting on the reference to food-lighting of main arterial roads, Mr Johnson explained that the engineers’ section of the Association had considered the matter, and urged that the Association procure the necessary oata and costs, and make direct representations to the Main Highways Board with a view to obtaining a subsidy for local authorities for efficiently illuminating main arterial roads where required. He said the conference favoured the recommendation, and it was likely that where there is much traffic in congested areas a suitable scheme of illumination could be provided at reasonable cost. The scheme could be extended as opportunity offered. Mi Johnson told the Board that at the Conference it was declared that the average selling price per unit sold in New Zealand has been more than halved, while some £8,000,000 in i eserves have been accumulated. For domestic use the average rate in New Zealand is now lower than most of the other countries in the British Empire, being within a fraction of a penny of the Ontario Hydro-electric Commission’s figure, and less than half that of Victoria, where the whole supply is in the hands of a Commission.

Mr Lethbridge remarked that it would be Interesting to know just what is the accumulated loss on the State enterprise.

Mr McArthur said the figure quoted was £399,315. Mr Lethbridge said that if that was so, -at the present rate of increased demand it seemed likely that the accumulated loss could be extinguished in three years. Then there would be a prospect of the Government reducing its charges to the power boards and other supply authorities, to pass cn to the consumers.

Mr Johnson said the salient features of the Conference's business were indeed interesting to members of all boards.

Mr McArthur, supplementing the report, pointed out that in Ontario, the only Empire country where charges are less than New Zealand’s, supply authorities arc subsidised by the Government. One fact worthy of note, in comparison, is that in New Zealand the whole of the development work has been done by the power boards without subsidy. Furthermore, Victoria’s development under a Commission, is at a much higher cost to consumers.

Mr Sutherland congratulated the chairman upon his very interesting report, adding that he was confident best administration was obtained by the supply authorities as distinct from direct State control.