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(4) Substations The de,sign work for Otahuhu and Bunnythorpe 220 kV. substations has been 'Completed, and construction work is proceeding as fast as labour conditions will permit. The delay in the completion of the civil engineering works, particularly the building •contracts, has seriously held up the installation of the- electrical equipment, most of which has been in the country for some time. The non-delivery of the steel switchgear structures ordered from Australia in 1947 is also causing concern. All major items of equipment for Hay wards 220 kV. substation have been on order 'for some time and some of the material is already here. The design work is well in hand. An area of approximately 8 acres has been levelled, and construction of the other civil engineering works should commence in earnest during the coming summer. In the South Island, work continued on the main 220 kV. substation near Christchurch. Already tenders have been called for some of the major items of plant, and further tenders will be called shortly. To keep pace with the ever-increasing demand for power, work is proceeding on no Jess than fifty other substations located throughout the country. (5) General The above statement gives a very brief account of the work in hand and an indication of what further work is proposed in the immediate future. The sum total of the requirements of man-power and material necessary to implement the programme is plainly very large, and calls for a sustained and united effort so that the goal may be achieved and the power supply brought to a stage where the unrestricted demands can be met under all conditions. APPENDIX Further information relating to the past year's working is included in the attached report by the General Manager, while the annual report of the Rural Electrical .Reticulation Council is also appended.

USE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY SOLD TO CONSUMERS 1948-49

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