HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19013, 2 August 1933, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. AUGUST MEETING. Mr Joseph Price presided at the August meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board on Tuesday.

The Minister of Public Works wrote stating that he had received from the inspecting engineers satisfactory certificates concerning the construction of the board’s installation, comprising all lines erected by the board prior to May 1, 1033. The Unemployment Board wrote in regard to the employment of extra men on the reticulation work that the board had agreed to grant a subsidy of 37s 6d per man per week in respect to those married men with the greater family responsibilities. The Thames Valley Board would be required to make up the difference between Hie above subsidy and the award wages for full-time employment.

Street Lighting.

The Hauraki Plains County Council advised that it was prepared to enter into a guarantee for the supply of current for two street lights in Ngatea Village. It was decided to accede to the application. The Hauraki Plains County Council notified that it had appointed Mr John Frederick, Mayor of Patetonga, as its representative on the board, in place of Mr E. L. Walton, resigned. The Treasury wrote in reference to the board's claim to a refund in respect of a loan of £150,000. Legislation bearing upon the matter was quoted, and it was pointed out that Llie necessary apportionment should be made in an amended return. It was stated that this had been provided. A letter was read from the Waihi Hospital Board applying for a reduction in the charges for lighting the hospital.

In a general discussion it was maintained that Hie members of the board were desirous of reducing charges where at all possible, and in the event of a profit being shown they would he ready to give further consideration to reductions.

Manager's Report.

In his monthly report the manager (Mr B. Sprague) stated that the total number of consumers connected to the board's mains was 8561, flio Thames and Te Aroha boroughs being included in these figures, with 1115 and 710 rgßpectlvcly. Fifty-seven

lighting and heating consumers were connected during the month; also 15 water-heaters, 8 electric ranges and 34 motors on farms, of which 15 were milking motors. There were now connected and operating 677 electrio ranges, 2463 water-heaters and 3409 motors on farms, of which 2230 were milking motors* 'Eiglfty consumers had additional lighting and heating points during the month.