SUPPLY OF POWER.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17712, 16 May 1929, Page 6

SUPPLY OF POWER.

CENTRAL BOARD MEETS. THE CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED. REDUCED CHARGES AUTHORISED. Mr T. Hinton was unanimously reelected chairman at the first meeting of the new Central Electric Power Board to-day. Warm tributes were paid to Mr Hinton's services from all members. Mr A. Livingstone was appointed deputy-chairman. In returning thanks, Mr Hinton said the- small vote at the election and the return of old members was an indication that the ratepayers had endorsed the board’s policy. He did not take credit for this; all members had been unanimous in pursuing a wise policy. The chairman predicted that iiie hoard would have a successful year.

The only new member of the board was Mr U. Smith, of Huntly. Others present were Messrs W. Lee Martin, M.P., W. Henry, Boyd, S.S. Saulbrey, E. F. Pcacocke, J. J. Ryburn, A. Livingstone, H. J. Becche (secretary), and J. R. Ellis (engineer-manager).

Tlie chairman's honorarium was fixed at £2OO, as previously. Messrs Hinton, Lee Martin, Livingstone, and Pcacocke were appointed the linance committee, and the works commiltee contained Messrs Henry, Boyd, Saulbrey, Smith, and J. J. Ryburn. New Charges Detailed. It was recommended by the late board that the reduction of the flat rate on the size of cow-plants and on separator motors be 50 pet' cent. It. was proposed lo reduce the charge of lighting from Bid lo 8d per unit. Allowing for discount, the nett annual reduction will be £3642. Tiie report add that the nett profit for last year was £3715, and if the income and expenditure for the current year were the same as for the year just closed a small credit balance would remain. The reduction of the flat rate by half would, it was thought, result in a number of milking plants within easy reach of the board’s lines being connected. When the board changed the system of flat rate from £0 per h.p. per annum lo the present charge on (he size of cowplant the result was a very large increase in the number of small plants. The reductions suggested on Hat rates would make it simple to reduce further or to abolish these charges at a later date, when the financial position warranted. The recommendations were carried unanimously. Linking up Pukomiro. Mr J. R. Ellis, engineer-manager, reported that approximately four miles of 11,000 volt circuit had been completed to supply Pukcmiro township, with the exception of the wiring of three spans crossing the railway which cannot be done without permission from the Railway Department. The low-tension reticulation of the township had been commenced. There was a possibility of supplying several houses in Glcnaflon. The high tension poles for the llangiriri extension had been laid out. Low tension lines have been extended at Ridout Street, Frank ton Junction and Taupiri. Service lines have been completed at Taupiri, Ridout Street, Pukclaha, Breckon’s Avenue, Blackburn Street, and depot store. Extension Work. Tiie load had increased considerably in Lake Crescent, which was fed from tiie hospital sub-station, there being several ranges installed in the street,/which lias necessitated the laying of heavier mains. The main transformer at Ngaruawahiu, which had been in service for several years, had been changed for cleaning and repairs. Two additional street lamps had been erected in Maeroa and one at tiie Maori Pa, Huntly. Messrs T. Hinton and W. Lee Marlin were appointed delegates to the Power Boards’ conference in July. Accounts totalling £OBB3 8s ltd were passed lor payment.