HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17783, 7 August 1929, Page 8

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

■THAMES VALLEY BOARD. MONTHLY MEETING. GENERAL BUSINESS. Mr F. M. Strange presided at the monthly meeting on Tuesday, the members present being: Messrs J. Allen, F. E. Flatt, J. Torr, J. Pohlen, H. M. Corbett, J. W. McCormick, J. Price, J. W. Anderson, J. B. Hines and C. A. Arthur. A letter was read from the Chief Electrical Engineer re the electric supply dispute between the Thames Valley Board and the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., recommending payment of £IOO in payment for March quarter instead of £203. The further matter of an account for £129 could be arranged between the company and the board. It was decided that the matter of payment of the accounts be arranged. The Public Works Department wrote approving the payment of £l5O honorarium to the chairman for the year ending March 31, 1930.—Received. A communication was read from the Public Works Department relative to a representative for Putaruru, and noting that the board considers the existing representatives of Matamata County to represent the county and town district as a combined districts will be re-elected. If the Putaruru Town District was prepared to remain unrepresented until March, 1932, the Department considered the matter could easily be arranged. It was decided that the Putaruru Town Board could be met on the subject. The Public Trust Office wrote asking what debentures were available for sale by the board. —Reply to be forwarded. A letter \as read from Miss G. F. Elvidge, postmistress, Torehape, on •‘he matter of the petition from settlers to have electricity installed at Torehape, and asking whether another petition would be required as two farmers had lately sold out. —It was resolved that the matter of installation would be considered on receipt of necessary data. The Northern Steamship Company, Ltd., wrote stating the white lights on the Ngatea County bridge were too blinding for the masters of vessels, and asking that the trouble be obviated.—To be attended to. E. J. Smith, secretary Puriri Ratepayers’ Association, invited the board to attend a meeting at Puriri to have a heart to heart talk on electric board matters.

J. Silcock, Newton Willows, Morrinsvilie, wrote complaining of charges for power, and asking for an explanation of the rates. —Reply to be sent by the manager.

J. Brunskill, Ngarua, notified that one of his cows was killed on July 17 through an escape of power, and applied for compensation on the basis of his average herd value, £l3. A similar letter was received from 11. W. Seales, Gordon, claiming fifty guineas for the loss of a pedigree Jersey cow, electrocuted on July 9. —It was resolved that the matter of compensation would come under the insurance, the amounts to be arranged. Tree Planting Scheme. According to notice of motion Mr H. M. Corbett moved ‘‘That the Finance Committee be empowered to dispose of the tree planting area at Waitakaruru.” Mr. J. Price seconded. Mr Corbett said he was not a member of the board when the tree planting scheme was entered upon. If it proved a failure it was not the fault of the board, which had principally relied upon the reports of experts. The plantation, as it stood, was not likely to be a financial success as the area was too small for such a purpose and shelter belts of quick growing trees had not been provided. The area was not large enough to justify a sufficient staff being kept on a plantation of trees for upkeep and safety purposes. The land was not suitable for the class of trees required to be grown. Although the trees planted were showing growth, so also was the tea-tree and undergrowth, while the danger from lire was obvious. Personally he would not like to see the land go into the hands of a private individual, but thought it might be taken up by a local body such as the Hauraki County Council, which could look after it more effectively than could the Power Board, whose membership covered such a wide area. On being put to the vote the motion was declared lost by six to five. Amendments were carried proviuu.g for 20 acres of tree planting thu season and ten acres next year, the position then to be again reviewed.