UNSKILLED WIREMEN.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 222, 10 December 1926, Page 8

UNSKILLED WIREMEN.

(To the Editor) Gir. —In a- contemporaiy of yesterday. (9th iicst), under the heavy type headjug “Unskilled Wirciuen.*' “Danger io Life an-d'Property. ’' I notice that in die course of Arbitration Court proceedings one official expressed the,definite opinion that ‘ ‘ the recent big lire in Auckland was probably caused by unlicensed men tampering with the installation, ” and further alleged “that these unskilled electricians are a danger both to life and property,” and very significantly added 4 ‘we intend to have more strict supervision.” Having regard to these emphatic assertions, publicity emanating from one who ostensibly is qualified* 5 to form a well-considered opinion on the subject, and particularly in view of the continued development of the agency of. electricity in Waipukurau and throughout the surrounding district, I very respectfully submit Sir, that it would inspire public confidence - and effectively dissipate all doubtful fears if the Central Hawke's Bay Power Board would authoritatively give the consuming public a full and complete asurance that every employee of the Board who is engaged on its general maintenance and installation work, is duly skilled and qualified, and individually licensed to competently undertake all such work. With no inconsiderable stake involved in properties which are equipped witlv the Board’s electric light and power supply, I feel (with the great mass of general consumers) no diffidence in directing public attention To this most urgent question. —Yours, etc., “ENQUIRER.” The subject matter of the above letter was referred to Air J. K. Lee, Resident Engineer of the Central Hawke’s Bay Power Board, who has submitted the following information: “Untier the Electrical Wireman’s Registration Act, 1925. the interior wiring of dwellings, etc., has to be done by a duly qualified and rcgistoi''cd wireman, but for exterior wiring such as services and reticulation it is not necessary that workmen be registered although the Board employ two men on this class of work who are duly registered. At the present time thOTcgistration under the Act is not complete insofar as the only evidence of registration at the present time is the Public Works Department’s receipt for fee paid. Final information on the subject will not 1)0 available until the 31st March, 1927.”