Area: Ovens
Started: June 1951
Finished: March 1952
Poles used: 881
Line used (km): 83
Premises connected: 137
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our interactive map. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.
Sand and gravel pits were a concern in Ovens according to The REO News from October 1952.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Ovens Rural Area: Mr. M. Kennedy, R.A.E., has forwarded us a copy of his report on Ovens Rural Area. He sent us the report originally on the 9th May but, unfortunately, we did not receive it.
Of the original 246 economic acceptances, 16 became backsliders and thus made 2 others uneconomic. Due to an error, 2 houses which were originally refusals were included as acceptances. 46 New acceptances were obtained to give a final total of 272. The additional consumers resulted in a net revenue increase of £108, but as against this, cost increased by £2,640, and thus the overall return was reduced from 7.63% to 7.33%. Three factors contributed to the reduction in return:
(i) The poor type of labour available.
(ii) The number of sand and gravel pits which required deviation of lines to the degree that an extra 10KM had to be erected."
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"(iii) It was just at the time of construction that we increased the ratio to 20:1.
It is also claimed that the £100 allowance for uneconomic poles was totally inadequate.
We are glad to note that 23 outside lights were erected and that 74 consumers had wired their out‑offices, but would comment that this latter figure is not as satisfactory as we could wish.
We note that sales in the area were low, at a total of £450. This was due principally to the fact that the area is close to Cork City and within easy reach of electrical firms who sent out appliances in their vans to the consumers. The report gives no indication of the extent of sales by these independent contractors."