POWER BOARD LOAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 158, 16 April 1928, Page 4

POWER BOARD LOAN.

Sir,—ln answer to Mr Bundle's letter, I do not intend to argue over tue accuracy of my figures, as they do not alter the fact I wished to emphasise, namely, the ability of a comparatively small number of voters to pledge the country's credit for very large simis of money. Again, Mr tfundle, I did not challenge the revenue received by the Board, but simply asked for a statement of the last year's working, and the only satisfaction received was an invitation to attend a meeting to be held in Ashburton East. It Mr Watt at the meeting in St. Andrew's Hall gave "a very full account of- the financial position of the Board," it 'is peculiar that some of those present could not give me any information re same; in fact, they informed me they came away as wise as they went, burely because a balance-sheet is not audited does not prevent the Board giving some information to the ratepayers on the eve of a poll for another large loan. . , 'I understand that £15,000 is required yearly to increase the carrying capacity of the main feeders. Does this dovetail with Mi- Watt's actions during the past two years, as we know that he bias been at the Government, hammer and tongs, declaring there would be a shortage of current? If there is any likelihood of a short supply, why borrow money for extensions? Bower Boards and the use of electricity are in their infancy in New Zealand. The members of the Boards took their seats with no experience to guide them, and it behoves them to move cautiously, otherwise there is a danger of over-development, and a consequent burden on the ratepayers. In conclusion, I would remind Mr Rundle that the Power Board is not infallible, as it was only through tho intervention of the Government, and particularly Mr Nosworthy, that they (the Board) were saved the burden of a white elephant in the shape of the North Branch scheme. W. ACTON.