ELECTRIC POWER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10179, 9 August 1924, Page 5

ELECTRIC POWER.

Sir,—ln discussing at the last meeting of tlie County Council the Power Board’s proposal regarding the N®rth Branch scheme, Mr J. Moore is reported as having remarked that many people doubted if. they would escape a power rate despite the assurance to the, contrary. Mr Watt being approached concerning - the matter stated that so far as he knew there was no such expectation. Later lie said that if the Power Board’s undertaking was brought to a sucecssfiu issue no rate would he required. inis answer, of course, implies that the board will have no option but to strike a rate if the scheme does not meet with sufficient support. It is evident that Mr Moore was prompted to speak of the likelihood of a rate being struck owing to tho weak support given in certain districts. This indifferent attitude is attributable to the high cost of installing the current in the houses, and on this account many will not take the power. A similar, position has arisen in other places where the Lake Coleridge system lias been extended, and consequently it lias been found necessary to strike a rate to meet the interest oil the cost of constiuction. Naturally the people in these parts now regret their folly for quibbling over the cost of the wiring; and this is precisely what will occur m this county if the residoiits do not unite in giving the board every support. It may be reasonable for one to suggest that the board consider tlie advisability of sending out registration forms to all householders, each to sign and state approximately their requirements. Tlie cost of this would not be great, and may be the means of adding to the list of consumers. It is without doubt in the interest of all ratepayers that' the undertaking pays its way without a special power rate having to be struck, and therefore every householder should assist to this end by taking in the power. H. S. RICHARDS, Valetta, August 8, 1924.