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Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 September 1939, Page 2

Damage to 17 steel poles and four wooden poles in the Methven and Mayfield districts caused by a heavy fall of snow during boisterous weather recently will cost the Ashburton Electric Power Board about £lOO for replacements. Interruptions to supply also entailed a certain loss of revenue. At a meeting of the board, the chairman (Mr E. F. Nicoll) said the effect of the snow on steel poles would indicate the need for consideration being given to their use in snow areas. Some consisting of three pieces of railway line strapped together had bent over almost double. The trouble seemed largely the result of wires breaking and imposing undue stress on the poles. Members from the district commented that the snow was surprisingly wet and accumulated on wires, in some cases being six inches through. The weight of this and the wind all contributed to the damage.