ELECTRIC POWER.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1418, 20 October 1923, Page 4

ELECTRIC POWER.

MEETING OF TE AWAMUTU POWEB BOARD. GENERAL BUSINESS TRANSACTED. The Monthly mooting o:' the Te Awamutd Electric- Power Board was I.eld yesterday, Mr J. T. Johnson presiding. Also present were Messrs J. G. Sutherland, G. Spinley, C. G. Downes, N, M. Lethbridge, P. S. Pariane. S. C. Macky, D. Cavaaagh, and F. C. Daniell.

Mr Cavanagh reported that he had interviewed owners of trees that overhang power lines in the Ohanpo district. He had been.'net with the retort that the trees would be cut back if other owners did likewise. After discussion it was decided to notify owners of trees that are considered to be dangerous that the Aci. holds them liable for any damage that may occur through the trees being in too close proximity to the power lines. The manager reported that he had sent notices re outstanding accounts as instructed by the Board a month ago. In two cases he had received no satisfaction.—lt was decided to place the accounts in the hands of the Board's solicitors for action. The Public Trustee acknowledged receipt of £240, being interest on the loan of £Booo.—Received. The district engineer, New Zealand railways, advised that the Board's application for permission to erect a low tension service line across the railway at Ohaupo will be duly considered.

The Bank of New Zealand advised that cheque forms are now being printed on 'sensitized paper with a background of fugitive ink, to reduce the chance of forgery. The Bank of New Zealand forwarded paid coupons in connection with the loan of £62,000 from the A.M.P. Society. The Minister for Public Works acknowledged receipt of information that Mr D. Cavanagh has been appointed to the Board in succession to Mr W. C. Pickett, of Ohaupo, resigned. The district electrical engineer of the Public Works Department forwarded a copy of a lengthy report on hydro-electric development. Mr L. Birks, chief electrical engineed of the Public Works Department, also forwarded a copy of the last annual report on hydro-electrical development in the Dominion, adding: "Please accept my thanks for the information supplied by your Board from time to time, much of which has proved very useful in compiling the annual report." The chairman moved that when the general rate is struck that rate be collectable by the Board direct and payable at the Board's office in Te Awamutu. —Carried.

The rate, as advertised, was unanimously agreed upon. Mr Spinley moved, as per notice given last month, that power be given to the Consumers' Aid Committee to reduce, if considered desirable, the amount of deposit required on advances for installation of plants instead of the fixed 25 per cent as at present. The mover explained in detail the object of the motion. Mr Lethbridge seconded.—Carried. Mr Daniell moved that the Finance Committee be asked to report to next meeting on the first cost of meters, cost of reading, and additional bookkeeping made necessary by this system as compared with the flat rate system.—Agreed to. FOREMAN'S REPORT. Mr F. Meyer, foreman, reported on various works carried out during the month as follows: The wire gang completed the low tension of Alexandra Road to connect up Mr Harris' service. The Hiwihau Estate line has been ooled, wired and put in commission. Twenty cow plants and one other power plant, also 25 house services have been completed, which necessitated the carting out of 60 poles and erection of 110 poles. About 2981 'mains of low tension lines and 75 r :hains of high tension have been comoleted. The gang also re-strained up part ■)f Te Mawhai 3000 volt route between Mr Kirkham's residence and Kakepuka Hill road, which became very owing to angles on line settling after the running of low tension feeders.

Three one phase transformers were fitted and put in commission on Hiwiiau estate route, also three two phase transformers on No. 2 substation, Korakonui. About 80 fuse boxes have been fitted on services which were (left through fuse boxes not being procurable. All main outer sub-station fuses have been renewed; also transformer fuses on all circuits in the northern area. Owing to Government line failing on 5/10/23 a patrol was sent out and patrolled line to Kaipaki road, Ohaupo, from Te Awamutu. A break which occurred on the Pirongia circuit at 3.30 a.m. on 24/9/30, which pointed to a malicious interference, vas rectified. Owing to rush of work on connections- considerably easing up three men's services have been lispensed with. i A large amount of line overhaul vork is urgently needing attention, and will be carried out as soon as the lorries and remaining gangs can be aiade available. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. Mr A. J. Tailby, inspector, reported as follows: During the period since last meeting I have inspected the following installations: Lighting services 22., cow plants 17, other power plants 1; total for month 40. This makes a total to date as follows: Lighting services 729, cow plants 235, other power plants 43; grand total 1007. I have made out specifications for the following: Lighting plants 11, cow plants 9, other power plants 2, total 22. Meters tested during month number 41, meters installed during month number 40.. Certificates have been given for 2S cow plants, 14 houses

and one other power plant. Most of these required a second inspection. Extensions on lighting installations tested seven; total extensions to date 103. One hot water electric heater has been installed and will be tested thoroughly as it is the first of its kind to be erected.