HEALTHY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 5

HEALTHY

POWER BOARD FINANCE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN REVENUE. The monthly meeting of the Wan-ganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board was hold yesterday, Mr F. Purnell occupying the chair. Also present wore Messrs W. and J. Morrison, J. Patterson, A. Robinson, A. G. Simpson. O Callaghan, H. J. McManaway, and Dalrymple. The secretary (Mr P. H. Smith) reported that the approximate revenue for the year ended March 31 was £92,000 an increase over the previous year of £17,000. Tho expenditure for the year amounted to £BO,OOO, being an increase of £15,000. The figures did not include depreciation and were subject to adjustment upon settlement for supply to and from the Department during the March quarter. It was also reported that applications had been received for a concession on lighting rates for all-night service, and the recommendation that between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. heating rates be charged for such services as are controlled by time switch, separately metered, and with a maximum charge of 5s a month, was adopted. The contract for coal having terminated, tenders for future supplies were considered in committee. The Secretary’s Report. The Secretary’s report, which was adopted, was as follows: “The steam plant was in commission to supply full load for the relief of Mangahao for 19 days during the month and is at present requisitioned for similar service. Coal supplies are much more satisfactory, although a proportion of larger coal was supplied during March. The consumption of coal for three months aggregates 3,335 tons, being over 2,000 tons in excess of normal requirements. A statement of the additional cost of fuel and depreciation involved with the steam plant during the shortage at Mangabao has been submitted to the Department for consideration of some concession. ‘ ‘There is a steady increase in consumers, particularly in Wanganui City, where the number is now slightly in excess of the 2 to 1 ratio previously maintained. “Owing to uncertain shipping facilities from Australia, some delay will probably occur in securing hardwood poles for Winiata and Marangai extensions, which work could otherwise be done on completion of Bonny Glen line. The revenue for the month of March was shown as follows: — Consumers, £5522 3s lOd; trams, £340 6s; streets, £410; total, £6272 9s lOd. This was an increase of £615 18s lOd over the figures for March 1927. Engineer’s Report. The resident engineer, Mr H. Webb, reported as follows: “The first section of the Upper Turakina Valley line was completed and livened up on April 6. This gives supply to most of the consumers in the

valley, and tho balance will be connqcted before the end of the present month.

“On the Bonny Glen extension poles have been erected and 11,000 volt linos run for a distance of three and a half miles. This section of the line should be livened up early in May. On account of the growing load in the Marton area it has been found necessary to tie the Marton and Hunterville feeders together at Marton. This improves the voltage at Alarton by 5 per cent, but also lowers the voltage on the Hunterville feeder. To overcome this a regulator costing approximately £5OO would be necessary. (Should the Board obtain a second point of supply from the Public Works Department at Marton this regulator would still be useful, and I would recommend that tenders be invited immediately for the supply of one. “The temporary sub-station erected alongside the Board’s office has been removed and the transformers fitted permanently above the range store. A considerable amount of tree cutting along the rural lines has been carried out during the past month. To overcome the objection to water from the spray pond reaching adjoining property it will be necessary to extend the protection around the pond. Material for this work is on order.” The report was adopted.