POWER FOR KARAMU

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4042, 2 May 1938, Page 5

POWER FOR KARAMU

DEPUTATION TO-TE AWAMUTU POWER BOARD. PROPOSED EXTENSION FROM TE PAHU. The possibility of the Te Awamutu Electric Power Board extending its service lines in the Te Pahu district to serve portion of the Karamu district came up for consideration at Friday’s meeting of the Board. It was reported that a number of settlers on the Karam u Caves-Te Pahu Road residing in the Board’s area desired to interview the Board to discuss the possibility of power being supplied to them from Te Pahu. The deputation comprised Messrs A. A. Steel, F. Clark, A. Ahlers, G. Kemf> and T. I. Arthur. .POWER AND LIGHT WANTED. Mr Arthur Steel stated that about two years ago the poll of Te Pahu settlers was strongly supported on the promise—though perhaps only implied—that the supply would be extended to serve the Hill Road and Karam u Valley settlers, some of whom were actually in the Central Board's area. At that time they were assured that the Te Awamutu Board had in stock all needed poles but the inspector had not visited the trea lately. Settlers desired reticulation for their homes and farms, and wanted Te Awamutu Board to give a definite indication of its attitude. Mr Johnson said no negotiations had been entered into between the two boards on the subject of reticulating the district. He added that it would be necessary’ to first make a survey of the area, cost of reticulation, and a canvass made by which to ascertain the probable revenue, before negotiating with the Central Waikato Board. That canvass had been taken respecting the Te Pahu district before decision was reached. Continuing, Mr Johnson said there was a lack of wiremen and a great pressure of work in all parts of the territory. No work could be done immediately’ in the area under notice. Mr Clark said he had offered to go over the area with the Board’s officers and collect all possible information. STAFF HARD PRESSED. To Mr Lethbridge, the manager said the staff was hard pressed in trying to cope with work in all directions. It was no use making a definite promise under present conditions. He sympathised with the Hill Road settlers’ aspirations, but it was physically impossible to meet their desires at present. There was now six months' work already authorised. To a question, the manager said the Central Board’s lines were several miles away. There did not seem to be much prospect of supply from that source. To questions, members of the deputation said the lime works were at present idle; some of the settlers were not dairying, but all desired lighting and heating. The department demanded that guarantees be obtained before the work could be authorised. A deputationist: “I would soonei pay the full guarantee than put up with the prevailing conditions of lighted candles and cutting wood for the stoves!” (Laughter.) Mr McArthur went on to detail the steps to be taken before actual reticulation work could be commenced, to show how it was imposible to serve the district within a few months. To a question, the manager said there was no truth in the suggestion that the Board intended to push a line right through to Kawhia before it would do any more work in' the Te Pahu district. “A KEEN DEMAND.” Mr Clark said settlers in his district were ready to install the power, and keen to do so, and it was regrettable that the service could not be supplied. To a question, the manager denied that the settlers at the far end of the Board’s territory had been led, when the poll was taken a year or more ago, to believe that they would be supplied soon. The road was probably not a good route to follow for a power line, as it had many bends, but a survey across country might have regard to the shortest distance to farmsteads and milking sheds. The chairman said he and the manager had recently motored through the district to get an idea of the topography and' the amount of settlement. To questions, Mr McArthur said he was willing to promise that a complete survey would be made within six months, but reminded the deputation that that did not mean actual supply could be given in that period.

The chairman assured the deputa tion of the Board’s real desire to develop the whole of its territory, but the scarcity of workmen experienced in the special class of work was acute. Every effort was being made to expedite the work, and this effort would not be relaxed. The Loans Board required that, an annual consumption guarantee of 15 per cent of the cost be obtained before the loan money can be spent. After an informal discussion the deputation expressed its sincere thanks and withdrew.