ELECTRIC LINES ON ROADS

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14490, 13 October 1920, Page 7

ELECTRIC LINES ON ROADS

PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES. ENCROACHING ON PROPERTY. The question has arisen as to how far it is practicable to run two transmission lines of different voltages on one side of the same road. It will he necessary to do tills wherever possible in order to supply the settlers along certain roads, as the main lines at 50,000 volts cannot be used In supply a small amount of power. The two roads in the Waipa County principally affected are the Leamingtonohaupo road and the LoamingtonHora Ilora road.

In a letter to the Waipa Council yesterday Mr T. MacLennan, Government electrical engineer, Hamilton, sai I that it would he necessary in tin; first case to put one line of poles on Hi.; fence-line or slightly inside it, and the other line about 15ft out from the fence. On the Leamington-Hora Mora road It would be necessary to put the one line of poles 20ft out from the fence. In both cases this could be done and, still leave a fair space between Hie line of poles and the road formation. He asked if Ihe Council would offer any objection to Hie proposal. The County engineer, Mr Civil, said that looking at the question from both Hie roadman’s and Hie farmer's point of view, he would recommend, where possible, that the poles he on fencelines or as near at possible to them. This would cause no obstruction to the roadway and would allow farmers In use implements to keep down noxious weeds.

Cr. .1. T. Johnson said the two lines of poles must be well separated to prevent induction. As to the opposite side of the road, the Post and Telegraph Department had taken up the altitude that they had the right of the road. If poles were put on the fence-lino it would mean Hie removal of all Hie trees, and the question arose whether (he farmers would he prepared lo sacrifice the shelter which the trees afforded. ShottM the removal of the trees'be decided on compensation might have lo lie paid, and Hie difteren! power hoards would he put to the expense of cutting them down. The-.v was one thing certain, that all bluegini (roes anywhere in the vicinity of Hie poles would have to come down.

Mr H. Fisher (chairman) said all would agree that poles out, in the paddocks were not desirable. He under stood that injury to slock througn breakages of wires or other contingent cause would he compensated for lathe Department. The County engineer was instructed to consult with Mr MacLennan on Hie matter.