RAETIHI BOROUGH COUNCIL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 113, 16 May 1939, Page 12

RAETIHI BOROUGH COUNCIL

ELECTRIC POWER SHORTAGE. (Own Correspondent.) RAETIHI, May 13. Residents are becoming almost accustomed to the rationing of electrical power. During the serious drought which broke in April it was not surprising that a lack o£ water in the Makotuku Stream should cause a shortage of power, but since then heavy rain has fallen and residents are still informed that rationing is necessary. The street lights have been out at night on numerous occasions recently and the town has been enveloped in nocturnal darkness, which has made street users realise the value of the street lighting service. In addition, electric power for domestic and commercial purposes has been unavailable from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 7a.m. daily. These restrictions have been combined with a ratification from the borough officials that the water supply would be available only at stated intervals, totalling 5* hours per day. This matter was the subject of a report compiled by the electrical engineer (Mr. W. Journeaux) and presented to the council at a special meeting late in April. Council’s Decision. At the May meeting of the council, the report of the special meeting on April 25 stating as follows was adopted:- That the council adopt scheme No. 1 which provides for the immediate commencement of the provision of approximately one million cubic feet storage at the existing Forebay. The estimated cost covering both plant and labour being approximately £880; that the services of a licensed surveyor be obtained for the purpose of preparing the requisite plan ot the extra block of land, being part lot 9, block 11. Makotuku S.D., as mentioned in scheme No. 1 and containing approximately four to six acres; that the Education Department, who are the owners of this land, be approached re the purchase of same by the council. The position is that the dam near the Middle Road just above the pdwer-house, is filled mostly with mud and actually the water is only about a foot deep over most of its area. The dam will require to be cleaned and the council intends ultimately to extend it. The council approved the purchase of the necessary plant, comprising a hauler winch and the requisite blocks, ropes and scoop, etc. The estimated cost, covering plant and labour, was approximately £BBO, but Mr. Journeaux informed the council that this figure would be exceeded by £95. Connected with the problem of hydro storage was a recommendation of the Works Committee that the council take the necessary steps to obtain permission to deviate the Haeremaire Stream into the Makotuku stream. The recommendation was adopted, but it was pointed out that the’ step was merely preliminary. It was a decision to obtain permission not to carry out the actual deviation. Cr. Shout said that the stream mentioned was a mountain stream near Horopito, which had a regular flow through all season, of the purest mountain water. Any deviation would thus improve the water supply, in addition to providing more water for electric power purposes. Members of the council had recently taken the opportunity of making a personal inspection of the whole of the area concerned in the borough’s water and power supply and were accordingly able to appreciate the position.