RETURN OF DEPOSITS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 268, 12 November 1928, Page 5

RETURN OF DEPOSITS.

ELECTRIC INSTALLATIONS.

RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS.

POWER BOARD DECISION.

Providing consumers' accounts have been satisfactorily settled, the Waitemata Electric Power Board intends to return their deposits of 10/ —made when installations are completed—at the end of two years. This decision, made at to-day's meeting of the board, will give further relief to consumers, who have amounts on deposit aggregating £2578, including deposits amounting to £84 in respect to baches at seaside resorts. A notice of motion tabled by Mr. S. E. Kennings proposing the new policy, was unanimously accepted by the board. Mr. A. E. Greenslade, in seconding the proposition, said he would like to go further, but he was prepared to accept the motion as something gained. "Personally," he added, "I would prefer to see the whole of the deposits not collected except in extreme cases." Mr. Kennings thought the time had arrived to move in the direction he advocated. He did not think it right for public bodies to accept deposits in perpetuity. It would be right and proper business to return the deposits at the expiration of two years, if the accounts were satisfactory. Mr. W. R. T. Leighton said the 10/ deposit had always been a bone of contention between the board and its consumers. Mr. J. W. Hayden (chairman): I don t think there is any objection to the motion. In answer to a question he said no deceptions would be made. "We cannot make fish of one and fowl of another," he said. A Member: The only exception will be between a satisfactory and an unsatisfactory account. Whose job will it be to decide that? Mr. Hayden: The secretary's. Sales of Current. The secretary and treasurer (Mr. A. Main), reported that the gross sale of current during Octobcr amounted to £5090, compared with £3824 for the corresponding month last year, an increase of £1265. The total current for the seven months ended October 31 was £37,391, as against £28,970 for the seven months of 1827, an increase of £8241. Discounts allowed consumers for the seven months aggregated £4568. Tour of District. The board decided to make a two days' tour of its area on November 25 and 26. The party, which will include, about seventeen members and officials, will leave Auckland at 9 a.m. to-day fortnight. Deputations, if necessary, will be received, and the tour will embrace a visit to the Hobsonville aerodrome.