95

D.—l

Regulations, 1927, are very specific on this question of consumers' installations and the licensee's duty in connection therewith, and in some cases the inspection organization of some electric-supply authorities is not fulfilling these requirements. The question of voltage of supply to consumers has also been the subject of investigation during the year, and as opportunity offers further tests will be undertaken to ascertain if licensees are discharging their obligations by maintaining properly designed distribution systems. Inspection of protective relays and automatic apparatus will be given more attention in future to ensure that same are in full working-order and functioning properly. These additional activities of the Department must follow the rapid expansion of electric-supply systems which is taking place, and should be viewed in a co-operative spirit, but the onus still remains on a licensee to maintain his system in a safe condition and to give satisfactory supply to all consumers. Licenses issued (Electric-line and Water-power). Licenses from April, 1926, to September, 1927, were issued to the following : New Zealand Sounds Hydro-electric Concessions, Ltd. ; Poverty Bay Power Board ; V. A. Abraham, Hokianga ; Nelson City Council (amendment) ; Tauranga Borough Council (extensions) ; Auckland Farmers' Freezing Co., Moerewa ; Waimea Electric Supply Co. (two amendments) ; Raetihi Borough Council (two amendments) ; Tauranga Power Board (amendment); Marlborough Power Board ; Waitomo Power Board ; Central Hawke's Bay Power Board (purchase of Waipukurau plant) ; Waitemata Power Board (purchase of Devonport plant) ; Poverty Bay Power Board (purchase of Gisborne plant) ; Otago Electric-power Board (purchase of Kaitangata plant) ; Southland Power Board (purchase of Gore plant) ; Westland Power Board (for delegation to Westland Power, Ltd.) ; Bay of Plenty Power Board ; Hastings Borough Council (new license) ; Opunake Power Board (amendment). Electrical Accidents. The following is a list of the various electrical accidents reported to the Department from June, 1926, to August, 1927 : — 20/6/26 Two men received burns on face and arms whilst working on switchboard (Portland). 2/7/26 Firemen received severe shocks due to burnt overhead line falling on them (Masterton). 9/7/26 Workman received severe shock due to steel cable to scaffolding accidentally fouling 11,000-volt lines (Wanganui). 10/7/26 Lineman electrocuted due to accidental contact being made between 11,000-volt lines and low-pressure lines (Southland Power Board). 15/7/26 Painter received burns due to accidental contact between binder-wire and neutral (Nelson). 5/8/26 Lineman received severe burns and shock through ladder which he was carrying accidentally contacting with 33,000-volt lines (Otago Power Board). 6/8/26 Lineman electrocuted whilst working on 230-volt lines (Hutt Valley Power Board). 16/8/26 Lineman severely burnt by 11,000-volt lines due to slipping on pole (Dannevirke Substation) . 19/8/26 Lineman severely burnt due to accidental contact with extra high-pressure lines (Timaru Substation). 24/9/26 Lineman severely injured by fall from pole due to 230-volt electric shock (Auckland). 2/10/26 Three horses electrocuted due to corrugated-iron shed being shifted and fouling overhead lines (Tuai). 26/10/26 Post and Telegraph lineman killed as result of fall from pole after receiving accidental electric shock from 230-volt lines (Christchurchj. 4/11/26 Man severely burnt on hands due to fence being livened up by fallen high-tension wire (Taranaki Power Board). 28/11/26 Twelve cows electrocuted due to fallen 230-volt line (Thames Valley Power Board). 24/12/26 Lineman electrocuted while working on 230-volt lines (Dunedin). 20/1/27 Lineman severely burnt due to careless handling of 400-volt cables whilst removing switch (Thames Valley Power Board). 30/1/27 Boy severely burnt due to climbing up steelwork of 11,000-volt transformer enclosure (Port Chalmers). 2/2/27 Post and Telegraph lineman killed by fall from pole due to shock received from electric lines (Auckland). 11/2/27 Lineman received burns on hand due to neglect in not using rubber gloves provided (Waitemata Power Board). 27/2/27 Lineman injured by fall from transformer-platform due to shock received (Thames Valley Power Board). 1/3/27 Telephone-exchange operator received severe shock due to telephone-lines contacting with electric lines (New Plymouth). 6/3/27 Engineer received severe shock due to accidental contact with 6,600-volt bus-bars (Ashburton Power Board). 15/3/27 Man, cow, and dog electrocuted at Ratapiko due to contact with fence on which 6,600-volt line had fallen (Taranaki Power Board). 29/4/27 Workman electrocuted at Alexandra whilst working in 11,000-volt transformer enclosure (Otago Central Power Board). 17/5/27 Boy electrocuted in garage at Gore due to shock from defective wiring in portable lampholder,