PANETAPU SUB-DIVISION

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3471, 26 May 1934, Page 6

PANETAPU SUB-DIVISION

ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY . PROBLEM. Te Awamutu Power Board, at Friday’s meeting, discussed a problem that presents itself concerning the desired supply of electric power to the Wharepuhunga property recently acquired by a group of former trainees of Flock House, in the Manawatu district, which will eventually result in the settlement of between thirty and forty young settlers in handysized farms on the 2220-aci’e block acquired. The Seafund Settlement Association (Panetapu), Ltd., wrote notifying the purchase of Dr A. St. L. Gribben’s property at Wiharepuhunga', and advising that the settlers intended establishing a community milking shed for the coming dairying season, during the process of roading and sub - division of the property into twenty or m,ore farms, of which it was hoped that twelve or more would be ready for the 1935-36 season. The Board was asked if it was prepared to extend its lines to the new settlement.

Mr Lethbridge explained that by following the roads there would be three miles of wiring needed; going across country the distance would be about two miles. The chairman said the property was in the Waitomo Power Board’s outer area.

Mr Lethbridge, continuing, said several other settlers in the vicinity were desirous of having electric power but hitherto the cost of extending the lines three or four miles was prohibitive. The new settlement would provide consumers en route. The Waitomo Board’s nearest lines were at Maihiihi, several miles away, and he thought there was little prospect of Waitomo being able to ply for several years. He thought Waitomo Board should be asked to consent to Te A’wamutu Board reticulating the area. It was remarked that by making supply available further settlement might be encouraged. The manager pointed out that the cost would be fairly heavy, for it would need a new and heavier line from the Tokanui Cross-roads substation, seven miles away.

To a question, Mr McArthur said it might be possible to save distance by tapping the line along the Owairaka Vallay Road. He would have to inspect the whole locality with the engineer. Mr Lethbridge commended this course, and offered to co-operate in any way possible. The Board decided to authorise the manager and the district representative (Mr Lethbridge) to negotiate for reticulating the district.