POWER SUPPLY.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18551, 3 February 1932, Page 2

POWER SUPPLY.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. WAIHI BEACH RETICULATION. CONFERENCE TO BE ARRANGED. The first meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board since December was held at Te Aroha yesterday, the chairman (Mr J. Price) presiding. There were also present Messrs F. E. Flatt, J. M. Allen, E. L. Walton, H. M. Corbett, J. Pohlen, F. M. Strange, J,. W. Anderson, C. A. Arthur, J. McCormick, W. R. Lowry, R. Sprague (manager), and N. G. McLeod (engineer). Leave of absence was granted to Mr H. R. Bush. In the matter of Waihi Beach reticulation the Cambridge _ Electric Power Board signified its willingness to extend any assistance, if required, for the purpose of legalising the agreements relating to the transfer of territories from one board to another. —The letter was received. Uniformity in Power Charges. In a circular to power supply authorities the Hawke’s Bay Boa r d drew attention to the difference made in charges to the city supply authorities and the suburban and county bodies. It was submitted that the present discriminating method of charging was inequitable, and the opinion was advanced that there should be a uniform price per k.v.a. throughout the Dominion. The following resolution was submitted for consideration: “That we appeal to the Government to discontinue the present system by which electricity is sold by the Public Works Department at prices varying from less than £5 10s to approximately £8 10s k.v.a. per annum, and to substitute a uniform flat rate, to be charged by the department to all supply authorities in the Dominion.” The general opinion was that the board should support the Hawke’s Bay body, and a motion to this effect was carried.

A request was received from the Prime Minister for an estimate of the board’s - exchange requirements up to March 31, 1933, in order that the hanks might reserve sufficient London exchange.—lnformation already supplied. Waihi Beach Retloulatlon. A lengthy communication from the Minister of Publio Works (Hon. J. G. Coates) dealt with the proposed Waihi Beach reticulation. Commenting on the general aspect of the matter, the Minister said that the report which he had received pointed out that the reticulation of any area involved _ expenditure whloh must be provided either out of profits from an existing undertaking of by borrowing on the security of rates. Obviously the Tauranga Electric Power Board could not pledge a rate on property situated In the Thames Valley Board’s dlstrlot, so that In order to supply electrioity to properties In that dlstrlot the Tauranga body must use money belonging to consumers iu the Tauranga district. If there was any loss on the new reticulation the Tauranga consumers must suffer. The Minister concluded by stating that the Thames Valley Board appeared to be better suited to give supply to Waihi Beach, both as regards the number of prospective consumers and the capital cost of the lines.

The chairman said that an inspection of the area concerned had been carried out, and there was no doubt that the Thames Valley Board could best carry out the scheme. Mr 0/ A. Arthur suggested that a copy of the Minister’s letter should be sent to the Tauranga Board, and a conference be arranged. This was considered the most advisable course, and a motion to that effeot was carried. ■ Messrs J. Price, H. M. Corbett,: Ft E. Flatt, C. A. Arthur, N. G. McLeod, and R. Sprague were appointed to represent the Thames Valley Board at' the proposed conference. Consumers and Installations. In his review of the past two months the manager mentioned that the total number of consumers now connected to the board’s mains was 8006. Included in this figure were Thames and Te Aroha Borough consumers totalling 1115 and 710 respectively. Sixteen lighting and heating consumers were connected during the two months, also 18 water-heaters, 10 electric ranges and 42 motors on farms, of which sevep were milking motors. There were now connected and operating 499 electric ranges, 2954 motors on farms, including 2120 milking motors. One hundred and fifty-six consumers had extensions to existing Installations. Arising out of a report showing the relative performances of various motor vehicles operated by the board some discussion was centred In the question of "buying British." Mr E. Walton considered that every opportunity should be taken to purchase British goods, and ho moved that in future British vehicles be given first consideration. This received the unanimous support of the meeting. Thames Beaches Supply. With the object of determining the prospects of successfully reticulating the Thames Coast districts a canvass of the property owners at the beaches was carried out at the beginning of January, with disappointing results. In a report, submitted to the board it was stated that visits were paid to 113 houses, 24 of which were prepared to lake supply; 50 refused, while the remaining owners were either absent or non-eommilial. The canvass indicated that there was not a sullleiently great desire at the present time for power to bo supplied to these beaches under tho guarantees required. It was decided -to keep Hie matter in view and institute further inquiries. Nino firms tendered for the supply and delivery of the 1000 k.v.a. of static condensers called for by the hoard, their offers being divided into many alternatives. Details of the advantages of using these condensers were given by the. engineer.

The lender of Messrs Turnbull and .Tones for 2000 i k.v.a. condensers at a price of £3025 f.o.b. Auckland was accepted.