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In studying the above graphs it should be remembered that they represent a composite review of the electric-supply business as a whole, and the appropriate statistics appertaining to the Public Works Department have therefore been combined with those of all the other electrical supply authorities in the Dominion. It is hoped that the publication of these graphs will continue to be of interest to the various electric-supply authorities throughout New Zealand, without whose valued co-operation in furnishing the requisite statistics each year it would not have been possible to compile the information now presented in graph form. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AND ELECTRICAL WIRING REGULATIONS. During the past year numbers of 6-volt, 12-volt, and 18-volt portable electric-lighting plants have been installed in territories not readily accessible to public electric-supply systems. Under the Electrical Wiremen's Registration Act the services of a registered wireman are not necessary to install the wiring where the voltage does not exceed 20 volts, but this does not include exemption from the requirements of the Electrical Wiring Regulations issued under the Public Works Act, Some modification of the standard Electrical Wiring Regulations was deemed necessary in such cases, and the Regulations Advisory Committee has prepared regulations defining the requirements to be observed by persons installing such sets with a rating not exceeding 500 watts. These regulations were gazetted 011 13th January, 1938. LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED. The following water-power and electric-line licenses (46) and permits (12) have been issued during the period between Ist July, 1938, and 30th June, 1939 : — (1) Licenses (40) : Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric-power Board ; Ashburton Electric-power Board ; Tararua Electric-power Board ; H. Sagar, Longford ; G. B. Nichol, Clarks ; E. A. Gray, Horeke ; Waimea Electric-power Board ; J. A. McCaughan, Kingston ; J. Kelland, Omarama ; R. E. Vincent, Ohau Downs ; D. S. Musker, Uruti; T. W. McLean, Waimumu; R. H. Rhodes, St. Andrews; Heathcote County Council (amendment) ; Blackwater Mines, Waiuta ; Hume Electric-power Co. (amendment) ; Invercargill City Council; D. C. Aubrey, Pembroke ; S. de Filippi, Koiterangi; W. .1. Wallace, Ross ; Grey River Dredging Co., Ikamatua ; Kildare Consolidated Coldmining Co., Ranfurly ; Sullivan Bros., Weheka (amendment) ; M. A. Wall, Matakitaki ; Bay of Islands Electric-power Board ; Karamea Co-operative Dairy Factory Co. ; Mangonui County Council; W. E. Barker, Mount Harper ; E. A. Robson, Waiau; Westport Coal Co., Westport; T. Hurley, Tokaanu; L. Keys, Kohukohu (amendment) ; A. R. Weenink, Te Taho ; H. Holt, Puketona ; H. C. Miller, Longford ; Waitoino Electric-power Board ; P. and R. Diserens, Gowan Bridge ; Waikakaho Deep Lead, Ltd., Blenheim; A. W. Gunn, Wataroa; Wairere Electric-power Board (amendment). (2) Revocations (5) : P. R. Sargood, Pembroke ; D. H. Rutherford, Makuri; C. S. Hammond, Taihape ; F. Excell, Raurimu ; Grey Electric-power Board (Arnold River). (3) Assignment (1) : W. Patterson to G. Kellow, Reefton. (4) Permits (12) : J. Hutchinson, Otoko ; K. O. and C. E. Jones, Kongahu ; I. O. Buchanan, Hororata ; McFarlane Estate, Culverden ; L. A. Savill, Peria ; R. C. Taylor, Harapepe ; A. C. Williams, Te Parae ; M. S. Alpass, Makuri ; C. R. Brereton, Motueka ; H. Fox, Waipiro Bay ; L. Eyles, Woodstock ; J. G. Armstrong, Kaikoura. INSPECTION OF ELECTRIC LINES, ALSO PRIVATE GENERATING-PLANTS. The annual departmental inspection of the electric lines in operation was carried out in the case of supply authorities last year, and any defects or breaches of the regulations which came under notice were duly notified to the supply authorities concerned. These inspection activities of the Department undoubtedly tend towards the maintaining of a high standard, and the general willingness on the part of the supply authorities to co-operate in a general observance of the regulations governing such matters is of great assistance to this Department.

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