#hydro-electric commission

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"REBATE CHEQUES TO BE MAILED OUT VERY SOON," Kingston Whig-Standard. June 20, 1933. Page 2. ---- Commissioner McFarlane Strongly Protested Against Grant --- The rebate cheques for the electrical consumers will be mailed from the office of the Public Utilities Comimission at once. This was the decision reached at a meeting of the commission held on Monday after-noon.

It will be recalled that the Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission, a few weeks ago, sanctioned a rebate of 10 per cent. of the amount paid during 1932, following a motion in favor of the rebate, which was sponsored by Commissioner James Halliday and seconded by Mayor Bruce Hopkins. The total amount of the rebate will be in the neighborhood of $25,000.

It was reported at the meeting that the rebate cheques were ready to be sent out to the consumers, and on motion of Commissioner Halliday, seconded by Commissioner Harris, it was decided to have them sent out at once.

In an endeavor to alleviate the unemployment situation, Commissioner Halliday asked the commission to undertake all the extension work possible. Commissioner Halliday asked particularly that the underground extension work be undertaken from Queen's power plant on King Street West to the city limits, and that efforts be made to the end that this work will not cost the city extra for street lighting. Mr. Halliday said that he felt that the Commission should do everything possible to create work for the unemployed.

Manager Folger will present a report to the commission in regard to extension work that can be undertaken.

The chairman, John P. Sowards, presided at the meeting, and also present were James Halliday, R. N. F.McFarlane, James Harris and Manager C. C. Folger. Mayor Hopkins was out of the city on business, and unable to be present.

Manager Folger stated that he was working on a report dealing with the arrears in accounts. This report will be ready in the course of the next few days, and it was decided to hold a special meeting on Monday next to deal with it. Following this meeting, it is expected that the commissionwill adjourn for the summer holidays.

With a strong protest from Commissioner McFarlane, the commission, on motion of Commissioner Halliday, voted the sum of $50 for "advertising purposes" to the Electrical Contractors' Association of Ontario, meeting in Kingston on June 29 and 30.

Commissioner Halliday said he felt that the commission should make a grant to this convention and he was warmly supported by Commissioner Harris. It is expected that the convention will bring about 400 visitors to the city, and Mr. Harris said that it would mean that money would be spent in the city, and that the commission should encourage such conventions by making a grant.

"I am not in favor of spending the money of the people in this way," said Mr. McFarlane. "It is illegal to vote money for this purpose, and I am not in favor of the proposition and will not vote for it."

Mr. McFarlane recorded his vote against the motion sponsored by Mr. Halliday, who had the support of Mr.Harris, and the motion was declared carried. Mr. McFarlane held that the vote was illegal, pointing cut that there were five members of the commission and that only two members had voted in favor of the motion.

Mayor Hopkins being absent from the meeting, however, did not have an opportunity to vote, and as there was no tie, the chairman was not called upon to cast his vote.

Commissioner Harris drew attention to the fact that the City Council it a recent meeting had voted the sum of $50 for the Corporation to take out one page in the official program for the Orange celebration to be held in Kingston on July 12. He felt the commission was justified in making this grant to the electrical convention. "The motion has not been carried legally, but has just been railroaded through," remarked Mr. McFarlane, after the vote had been taken on Mr. Halliday's motion.

On the recommendation of Manager Folger the commission decided to purchase a set of fireproof filing trays for the housing of the ledger records from Hanson and Edgar for the sum of $126. The filing trays are similar to those used in practically all the offices of the Public Utilities all over Ontario. The question of the purchase of a stoker which has been under consideration for some time was further laid over in order to secure additional information.

Theft of Lanterns Manager Folger brought to the attention of the members of the commission the theft of a number of red lanterns placed for the protection of the public on the excavation jobs around the city. Mr. Folger said that just recently four lanterns had been stolen from an excavation in front of Tete de Pont Barracks and that last year seven lanterns had been stolen. He pointed out that as these lanterns were placed on excavation work for the protection of the public was a serious matter. As a result of the thefts special nightwatchmen had to be hired. The members of the commission decided that it was a case for the police to investigate, and the matter will be reported to the police, in an endeavor to run down the guilty party or parties, and to avoid future trouble.

The commission decided to extend its power line on the south side of Highway No. 2, so as to provide a service for the military camp known as Project No. 47. The matter of the purchase of cable and a carload of fire brick was referred to Manager Folger.

An application for electrical power was received from six householders residing on a roadway beyond the Outer Station, will be referred to the Ontario Hydro Electric Commission.

On the recommendation of Manager Folger the commission appointed A. D. Nelson, accountant and Oscar J. Cherry, chief electrician, as delegates to the sessions of the Ontario Electrical Municipal Association to be held shortly at Windsor.

The commission received an application from Dr. N. E. Berry for gas, water and sewer services for Queen's Crescent from Lower Albert to Collingwood Street. Dr. Berry will be advised to place his request before the City Council.

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“Man Is Located Who Saw Missing Papers,” North Bay Nugget. April 23, 1932. Page 1. ---- Royal Commission on Hydro is Adjourned For Period of Two Weeks ---- SAW PAPERS IN NEW YORK ---- Attempt Made by newspapers to Get Photostat Copies of Fyle --- Toronto, April 23 — (By Canadian Press)— The Toronto Globe today aid its staff correspondent at London, Ont., had located Kenneth McLeod, mentioned yesterday in the Royal Commission enquiry of Hydro, as one who knew the whereabouts of the "missing" John Aird Jr. fyle before it reappeared at the hearing Thursday. 

The newspaper quoted McLeod as saying he had seen the fyle in Buffalo and that he had been asked if any offers of money had been made for it. He declined to say who had possession of the fyle when he saw it last but named a lawyer "Stein" as one who was said to have held it in New York. He said he had also seen it in Toronto.

Commission Adjourns Toronto, April 23 - (By Canadian Tress) -The Royal Commission investigating certain transactions of the Ontario Hydro Power Commission and the payment of $425,000 lo John Aird Jr. by the Beauharnois Power Corporation, has concluded its labors for two weeks. An adjournment was made last night until May 9, owing to pressure of business on Supreme Court Judges at present. Five of them are ill, and Mr Justice J. K. Orde, Commissioner, declared he was unable to continue until that date. 

Meanwhile, counsel concerned are busy digesting a mass of documentary and oral evidence surrounding the various phases of the investigation. The $125,000 payment, the payment of $50,000 to Mr. Aird by the Hydro for his services in connection with Madawaska and the purchase of the Dominion Power and Transmission Company of Hamilton for $22,000,000 by Hydro are being investigated. 

At yesterday’s long session, G. Howard Ferguson, former premier of Ontario, and Canadian High Commissioner to London, concluded his evidence on the stand with a reiterated denial that any of the $125,000 had reached the coffers of the Conservative party and refused to even hazard a guess as to the Identity of the person who would have collected.

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“To Resume Hydro Probe Wednesday,” Ottawa Citizen. April 18, 1932. Page 1. ---- Royal Commission Will Also Probe Payment of $125,000 to John Aird Jr.  ---- Canadian Press Despatch. TORONTO, April 18 - The royal commission investigating into certain affairs of the Ontario Hydro Electric Power Commission will probably resume tomorrow, Justice J. F. Orde, commissioner, said today. The investigation was adjourned after a one-day sitting when Mr. Justice W. E. Middleton, then commissioner, was taken ill. Since that time Mr. Justice Middleton has returned his commission and the new commissioner appointed. 

Originally, the Investigation covered the purchase of the Dominion Power Transmission, Limited. Hamilton, for $22.000,000 by the Hydro Commission and the payment of $50.000 to John Aird Jr. by Hydra for his part in the Madawaska purchase. Friday night, however, the government, through Hon. W. H. Price, attorney general, announced the payment of $125,000 to Mr. Aird by the Beauharnois Power Corporation would also be investigated. 

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“Hydro Horsepower Means Seapower!” Toronto Star. February 4, 1932. Page 4. ---- Ontario’s Shipyards Build 37 Types of Ships To Help Win the War! ---- Down the ways in busy Ontario shipyards come a long line of corvettes and cargo ships, mine-sweepers and patrol boats - 37 types of ships - swiftly adding to the Royal Canadian Navy and our Merchant Marine. In Canada’s victory program, sea strength is of paramount importance.

And from keel-laying to launching, Hydro-Electric energy is indispensable. Day and night, thousands of workers in ‘the yards’ use their full share of 500,000 electrical horsepower supplied by Hydro to Ontario’s wartime industries. In other plants scattered all over the Province other thousands of workers on machines powered by Hydro are producing steel, engines and equipment to feed these shipyards.

Today, ever Ontario citizen desires to do his utmost and can therefore take pride in the fact that Hydro is providing well over 2,000,000 h.p. to assure the victory program and to maintain all essential services.

Because Hydro is vital to victory we must all be economical in its use in shop and home - not only to conserve electricity, but, also, to save many metals and materials which are essential to the production of weapons of war. Let Victory come first!

TO SAVE ELECTRIC CURRENT Operate your electric range with the automatic switches according to directions. Cook several dishes at one time in the range oven, using only on the bottom element. Never leave heating elements on ‘high’ a moment longer than necessary. Have your electric dealer or local ‘Hydro’ keep your appliances in good repair. REMEMBER - it’s YOUR

HYDRO

SYSTEM

Our War Effort Relies On It....Your Community Depends On It ...Your Support Makes It Strong...Brought to you by The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario

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“Hamilton, March 7. - Fourth man alleged to have been implicated in thefts of copper wire from the Hydro Electric Commission of Ontario, Rusty Semple was arrested by city police over the week-end and will appear before County Magistrate Vance Tuesday.”

- from the Toronto Star. March 7, 1932. Page 2.

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"HYDRO PROBE TO START ON MONDAY,” Brantford Expositor. February 13, 1932. Page 11. ---- TORONTO, Ont. Feb. 13 — (By the Canadian Press)— The Royal Commission appointed to Investigate certain phases of Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission administration will hold its first sitting on Thursday, Feb. 25, Mr Justice W. E. Middleton, the commissioner announcted Friday .

W N. Tilley, K.C., has been appointed counsel for the commission, his lordship said. 

Payment of $50,000 to John Aird Junior in connection with the Madawaska power contract and the $22,000,000 purchase of Dominion Power Corporation are the subjects to be probed.

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“Hydro-Electric For the North,” Toronto Globe. November 21, 1911. Page 9. ---- Two Trunk Lines to Serve Huron, Grey and Bruce. ---- MUNICIPALITIES COME IN. --- Power Will be Developed on Maitland and Sangeen Rivers, and Niagara Power Will be Used in the Dry Season ---- After working for months going over the ground and preparing estimates the engineering department of the Hydro-Electric Commission is now waiting for the word from Queen’s Park to go ahead with the extension of the cheap power system into a new field. Two great trunk lines have been planned to serve the counties of Huron, Bruce, and Grey, and nearby parts of Wellington. Already fifty per cent. of the municipalities in the counties have applied for power, and on New Years’ Day, in nearly thirty places, the people will vote upon the question of making a contract with the Hydro-electric.

Power for All Ontario. The extension of the Hydro-Electric system into the north will probably be commenced early in the coming year. With the control of the Trent River and Ottawa Valley water powers, and the extension of the Hydro system to all the eastern counties practically assured as a result of the recent call made by Hon. Adam Beck upon the Ministers at Ottawa, the next twelve  or fifteen months will probably see the realization of the life ambition of the ‘Power Minister’ - the supplying to the people of all Ontario of electrical power at cost.

Will use Home Power. The people of Huron, Bruce, and Grey counties will not be altogether dependent upon Niagara power. The engineers of the Commission have thoroughly examined the power possibilities of the Maitland and Saugeen Rivers, and it is now confidently stated that there is enough power in the two rivers to supply the three counties for the greater part of the year. The maximum development is estimated at 15,000 horse power. This power will be produced during the autumn, winter, and spring, when the call for power will be heaviest. During the summer months the flow of water is greatly lessened and the Commission engineers are planning the new trunk lines so that Niagara power can be turned on when the Maitland and Saugeen are not furnishing the required amount.

From Guelph and Stratford The two trunk lines will run from Stratford and Guelph. The former will strike north through Huron and Bruce, while the latter will supply Grey and parts of Wellington. The cost of the trunk lines will, it is understood, be less than one million dollars.

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“STRONG CRITICISM OF ONTARIO HYDRO,” Brantford Expositor. January 26, 1932. Page 21. ---- Hamilton Area Users Would Maintain Own Power Plant ---- HAMILTON, Ont. Jan. 25 — (CP) — Strong criticism of the Ontario Hydro Commission was voiced at a mass meeting of Hydro users to the Fruitland district which was held on Saturday evening. After hours of discussion, the meeting decided that a committee should be formed to ascertain the cost of erecting end maintaining a co-operative power plant to serve the district in order that they might dispense with depending upon Hydro. The proposed 20 year contract tor rural power users was the bone of contention speakers alleging that farmers would be forced to pay a service charge of from $60 to $80 a year with power coats added to that amount. It was declared that this charge was a first mortgage against the farms and would prove too heavy a burden to the present depressed times. 

The delegates to the meeting demanded that farmers should be given a monthly contract the same as was allowed city power users. If such terms could not be secured, the only alternative was to operate a power plant to supply their own needs and break away from Hydro it was agreed.