ELECTRICITY

Waipa Post, Volume 37, Issue 2236, 17 November 1928, Page 4

ELECTRICITY

TE AWAMUTU POWER BOARD. NOVEMBER MEETING. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu Power Board on Friday was presided over by Mr J. T. Johnson, and other members present were Messrs G. Spinley, J. G. Sutherland, A. L. Storey, S. C. Macky, and J. C. Montefiore. Messrs N M. Lethbridge and J. B. Teasdale Avere granted leave of absence. Mr D. B. McArthur, secretary-man-ager, was in attendance. The chief electrical engineer, Public Works Department, wrote calling attention to regulation 226 (N), re earth leakage relays. , The manager explained that boards are given until July next to provide safety earthing devices. An Auckland firm had given demonstration tests, that were successful, but improved devices were expected soon, and a definite decision had therefore been de- '' ferred. The tests had been watched by representatives of other power boards, and all seemed satisfied. Mr F. H. Claxton, import agent, Thames, wrote that he had been making every endeavour to obtain shipment from Newcastle of the Board's quota of hardwood poles, but the shipping strike had upset all arrangements. . Latest advice was that the steamer Omana is likely to leave, on November 29th, and as the poles have been lying on the wharf ready for several weeks he anticipated that arrangements Would be made to ship them. The manager reported that the Omana is due at Auckland to-day, and he hopes the poles are on that steamer. The N.Z. Co-op. Dairy Co's electrical engineer wrote that the company's superitnendent of factories would be investigating the manufacturing conditions at the Te Awamutu factory shortly, and he would then be in a position to advise as to the future load conditions. The manager explained the position, and indicated that the rush of work at the local factories had proved too heavy a strain on the available supply, but eventually la satisfactory arrangement had been come to. He anticipated that both parties would get better results.

The engineer, Waitomo Power Board,' wrote advising that their cooking demonstrator had (riven splendid service during the past three months, stimulating sales of electric ranges. He suggested that possibly Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Waiere and Waitomo powe/r boards might each engage that lady's services for three months and ithus keep heir available in the neighbourhood. —Received. Particulars of the National Provident Fund superannuation svstem for employees of local authorities were forwarded by the superintendent, who added that the scheme is already in operation with the Auckland and Wanganui-Rangitikei power boards. To the -chairman, Mr McArthur said the Secretaries' Association had referred the subject to boards for consideration. The power boards' conference had referred the scheme to its executive for a report. Mr Macky considered the board should keep the miatter in mind, for adoption of the scheme would ensure bet.ter service. Valued officers were not so likely to be attracted to other avenues of'employment. The chairman agreed, and hoped the conference's executive would evolve a satisfactory basis for all boards. The secretary, Central Hawke's Bay Board, wrote .asking for information as to the number of consumers, range users, number of hot water systems m use, number of milking plants, particulars of maximum demand periods, rjjower factor, etc.—This had been supplied bv the manager. The Southland Power Board inquired the Te Awamutu Board's average revenue per unit for domestic and commercial purposes, including cooking, water heating and milking motors but not industrial consumers.—Supplied. , , . . Mr J. C. Eolleston wrote that he had been in communication with the Public Works Department re the bridge over the Mangatutu stream. The erection of the bridge is in the hands of the Otorohanga County Council, and when next in Otorohanga • he would make a point of urging that the work be proceeded with .at an early dateReceived. The Education Board's supervisor of manual and technical schools advised that it is proposed to instal electric irons in the manual training schools under its jurisdiction, and he asked the Power Board to state whether it proposes to enforce the requirements of the P.W.D. that all electric irons must be fitted with an earthing wire. The chief electrical engineer, Public Works Department, Wel'ytgton, wrote inquiring if the Board would hire, for say six months, the 11,000/ 3300 volt transformers the Board holds in reserve. He added that the matter is urgent. The manager reported that he had telegraphed that by hiring the transformers the Board may lose a sale, bu l offered to sell them at £SOO. The manager's action in running a line from Park road to supply a milking plant on the Mailing Estate instead of via Mandeno Street, was approved, it being pointed out that it is more economical and efficient, as the Mandeno Street route would lessen reliability of service from the Brady Street transformer. The line from Park roiad traverses an undedicated road, but an assurance of right-of-way had been obtained and also a guarantee of sufficient revenue to cover the capital cjost, as is usual in such cases. The financial statement showed the power fund account in debit £O6l lis lOd, and the loan account in credit £1645 12s 2d. Accounts held over from last month were £5 4s 6d (loan account), and presented this month £76 16s 8d (power fund) and £427 13s lid (loan). Revenue earned from sales of current for September was: General lighting, heating and meter rents £971 3s 2d, power £1055 16s 7d, penalties and sundries £2O 12s Bd, street lighting

£44 7s Gd, total £2091 19s lid. The above includes £37 Is 2d from Kio Kio special area. The rewenue for September, 1927, was £1855 3s lOd. It was decided to hold next month's meeting on December 14th, and the following- meeting on 18th January-