XC. T. ROOKE. 
the power houses where electricity is generated. To reach 
them, a buggy drive of about 15 miles out and in was 
necessary. The character of the country in the neighbour- 
hood of Redlands was fertile and well cultivated, but 
subsequently became rugged, rough and uncultivated. In 
the whole of this district deep well pumps were used. 
After returning to Los Angeles, Bakersfield was visited 
in order that the pumping plants in that neighbourhood 
might be inspected. To supply Bakersfield and_ its 
neighbourhood, electricity is generated in Kern River 
Oanyon, 13 miles distant. It is transmitted at 11,500 
yolts to sub-stations, and there stepped down to 2,080 
volts. For irrigating purposes, the 11,000 volt transmission 
line is tapped, and the voltage reduced to 500, in a very 
similar manner to that adopted in the Pomona district. 
The output of the Bakersfield plant is about 1,800 hp. In 
the immediate neighbourhood there are 29 motors 
averaging 30 hp. each, and used for pumping; the largest 
motor is 40 hp. All pump houses visited in this neighbour- 
hood contained centrifugal pumps working with lifts not 
exceeding 50 feet, often less. Most of the pumps were belt 
connected to the motors, although one direct connected 
plant was seen in operation. Besides acting to some 
extent as a safety device, a belt drive is convenient, in 
that it permits adjustment of the pump speed to suit 
working conditions. The pump houses in this neighbourhood 
are used for watering cattle, and for irrigating pastures 
on which cattle are fattened. The power rates charged 
are on a base rate of 5d. per B.T.U., with discounts 
calculated on the amount of the monthly bill. On a 
monthly bill of 20/- the charge would be 4d. a unit, and on 
a monthly bill of £10 and upwards the charge is 14 per 
unit. The distance of furthest pumping plant from the 
power house is 30 miles. 
