DANGEROUS PRACTICE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21304, 24 December 1940, Page 2

DANGEROUS PRACTICE

STACKERS HIT POWER LINE BOARD WARNS OFFENDERS (Special to Times) TE AWAMUTU, Monday The danger of moving hay stackers under service lines without lowering them was mentioned at a meeting of the Te Awamutu Electric-Power Board. The secretary-manager, Mr McArthur, said one man had a narrow escape when the stacker caught the line, which came down on his back. His life had been saved only by the fact that he was wearing rubber boots. In addition to the hazard to life, there was the disorganisation of the service in the district. It was decided to give notice that in future there would be prosecutions for such breaches of the regulations. Charge For Hall Lighting The Te Awamutu Borough Council wrote asking that the board bear one one half of the cost of lighting at the Town Hall when it was used for patriotic purposes. Mr Montefiore, a borough councillor, pointed out that the revenue from the hall had fallen considerably because no charge at all was made when the hall was used for patriotic purposes. The chairman, Mr J. T. Johnson, 6aid the fairest method of assessment would be to calculate that 25 per cent of lighting was for general purposes and 75 per cent for lighting for patriotic functions, of which the board could pay half. The secretary-manager suggested that the charge for lighting only for the halls be 3d as against 5d per unit, and after further discussion, Mr N. M. Lethbridge gave notice to move at the next meeting that charges for halls be reduced from 5d to 3d as from September 1 last. Wages of Faultmei? The chairman’s action in authorising an increase in wages to faultmen was endorsed. The secretary said the board had to pay above award wages to retain the men, and the present wage would be £327 per annum. It was reported that 12 transformers on order for the board had been shipped in the Napier Star, which had been reported as sunk by torpedo.