C.H.B, POWER BOARD

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 130, 27 May 1932, Page 6

C.H.B, POWER BOARD

THE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR THE PAST YEAR Reporting to the Central Hawke’s Bay Electric Power Board which met to-day the chairman (Mr A. C. Russell) said: “I have pleasure in reporting on the position of the Board as to the year ending March 31, 1932. The Board is now in its seventh year of supply. It may interest members to note the receipts for energy as from the time the Board actively commenced the retailing of electricity.—For the six months ending 31/3/26, the revenue was £3273 10s Id; for the twelve months ending 31/3/27 the revenue was £10969 4s 6d; 31/3/28 £15093 6s lOd; 31/3/ 29 £17491 4s 3d; 31/3/30, £20584 1.3 s 8d; 31/3/31, £22645 4s 6d; 31/3/32, £22120 14s 3d. It will be noticed that for the year just ended, the Board’s revenue for the first time has not shown an increase on the previous year, there being, in fact, a decrease of £524 10s 3d.' This however, considering the economic position, plus the decrease made by the Board in its< rates, must be considered satisfactory. Very little extension work was carried out during the year.

Despite the fact that our area comprises 1300 square miles with no great population, it is pleasing to note that no rates whatsoever have ever been collected in this board’s area, thanks to the guarantee system and to the loyal support of the consumers.

The Board's agreement with the Public Works Department expired on March 31, 1932, but to date no arrangements have been made in regard to the renewal. When this agreement was made in February 1927, the Board agreed to purchase from the Department for the year 1931-32, 500 k.v.a. of electricity. As a matter of fact, the board’s demand during the past year reached 921 k.v.a. so that it is reasonable to expect that the new agreement should be on a somewhat better basis. The growth of the board’s business is easily seen by the examination of the following figures:—Consumers 1926, 561; 1932, 1572; Ranges, 9, 176; milking plants 35, 82; hot water services 26, 248; Power installations, 25, 305.

The Board’s policy has resulted in a depreciation account being kept up to the standard laid down by the Act and on the 31st March last, this account was in credit to the extent of £11628 Os sd.

Many economies have been brought into force. Expenditure has been kept down to its lowest level to maintain a favourable balance. Naturally consumption has fallen, consumers economising to the fullest extent. Year by year, when possible, reductions in the price of current have been made. I regret to say that nothing can be done this year to reduce the burden on consumers. The board’s position compares more than favourably with the majority of other boards in the Dominion.

Trees overhanging the lines are causing anxiety. Branches coming in contact with the wires are causing the Board much concern. Besides the blowing of fuses, current is lost in transmission and possible danger is caused to life. Consumers are part or wholly owners of the scheme and have a duty to perform in their own interests of removing these obstructions.

The Board appreciates the goodwill of consumers in the way they have always met their obligations and cooperated in difficulties. I wish to tender my thanks to the members for the conscientious way they have atended to, and carried out their work. By their devotion and ability, they have lightened the burden of the chairman in his duties. To the staff my thanks are due, 'and to Mi* Lee as engineer and those serving under him for the way they have carried on under trying difficulties. On Mr Fowler, secretarymanager, the burden of guiding our finances has pressed heavily and any appreciation I could pay him, would not be adequate for his services. Miss Aldridge, as senior-clerk, and others have carried on excellently. A word of praise to the work and attendance of the Press representatives who have reported our meetings will, I am sure, be heartily endorsed by the members of the board.’