BOROUGH SERVICES.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18930, 27 April 1933, Page 9

BOROUGH SERVICES.

WATER, GAS AND ELECTRICITY. DEPARTMENTAL POSITIONS SOUND “The new water, reservoir has been tested to within a few feet of the top and the minor adjustments found to have been necessary have been made,” the town clerk, Mr W. L. Waddel, stated in a report to the Borough Council last evening. “The borough engineer, Mr R. Worley, informs me that he is now quite satisfied with the results. The Frankton tower has been reconditioned and is in service and a number of new mains have been laid in the outer areas, practically completing thi programme laid down when the £40,000 , loan was approved. As a result of the improvements, fire insurance rates have dropped and an excellent . pressure for ail ordinary purposes is now available. Part of the costs of the new works have been met from accumulated funds and the account has been somewhat heavily drawn on in the last few years to meet these and to assist the general rate. The present annual revenue should however, be sufficient to meet the expenditure In the next few years. “No major electricity works were put In hand during the year and though tenders were called for the material necessary to carry out the first Instalment of the underground distribution system, as the demand was not increasing, in view of the increase in Ihe rate or exchange and the sales tax the council deemed it advisable to hold up the work for a time. Though the number of units sold has increased by 5.7 per cent there has been a decrease in the number of units sold for lighting of I.OS per cent, while the units sold for power purposes have increased by 6 per cent. Much of the power is sold at less than actual cost and as the profit is made principally on the lighting the position will require to he watched, particularly during the next year or two. The department is in a very sound financial position and has done much to assist Hie ratepayers in Hie last few years.

“Sales of gas, which dropped 1.9 per cent last year, are tin's year down by 4.0 per cept. The decrease was noted in the second half of 1031-.TJ, *when it was 4.5 per cent and Hie department is to be congratulated on holding its position. Sales of cookers and appliances in the total are very satisfactory. Hie position being rather hotter than for Hie previous year. Goke, notwithstanding a considerable reduction In the price, is proving to be more difficult to sell. To encourage the use of slow water heaters (as distinct from Hie instantaneous variety) a special rate of fis 8d less I Or! discount was arranged for the gas used In these after the end of November last.