Waitara Electric Lighting System.

Progress, 1 October 1907, Page 452

Waitara Electric Lighting System.

Since the introduction of the suction-gas plant in its present state of perfection the gas engine has come to the front in a way previously thought impossible. One of the latest innovations in this connection has been its application to the needs of both large and small towns for the generation of electric light and power. We recently Had the pleasure of inspecting the plant erected in the township of Waitara by Messrs. W. Andrew and Co. of Wanganui, and the following particulars will be read with interest by the general public, and those contemplating expenditure in this direction for other centres. Waitara is a pretty little seaport town that recently developed into a borough with a population slightly over 1000. I v ast year Messrs. Andrew and Co. received a "concession tor lighting, and in February the " luice was turned on." The power station is a corrugated iron building within a stonesthrow of the main street. The machinery at present consists of a 25-h p. "Campbell" gas engine and suction gas plant, driving a

direct-current dynamo, the distribution being on the 3-wire system with a pressure of 22C volts between the neutral and the outers. A set of 240 glass accumulator cells has also beer installed, ensuring a regular and sufficient supply of electricity at all hours of the day and night, power being also supplied te motors. We understand that the charge to consum ers for light compares more than favourabl} with adjacent towns using water-power One of the many advantages of the gas producer plant is the fact that the generating station can be placed in the centre of th« town, thus saving the cost and maintenance of an expensive high-pressure transmissior line with its attendant transformer troubles The light at Waitara has been such i pronounced success that the electrical staf has been kept continually busy, and it ha' already been found necessary to orde additional machinery it being confidentl] expected that by next winter the number o connections will reach to cue per he?d o population. We believe that the iuel bil tor the six months' working of this plant ha not exceeded £25.