ELECTRIC POWER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 56, 7 March 1934, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER.

NATIONAL STATION. WAIRGA BOARD SUGGESTION. TIIEKEB DCV/N BY MINTSTEH. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) GTSBOEXE, tlii.3 day. Tlie statement that a uniform rate throughout the Dominion for power from a national station would be impossible was made by tlie Minister of Public Worki?, tlie Hon. ,T. Bitclieiier, in the course of a discussion witli members of the Wairoft Power Board, which body has had nucli serious differences with the Department that threats have been made that current would be cut off. The Minister admitted that the Wairoa Board was possibly in a worse position than any other, and promised that lie would endeavour to afford some relief. C. V. Chamberlain explained the board's position, stating that it was going back rapidly. On account of the scattered nature and the isolation of the district, the cost of current and the upkeep of extensive reticulation made it impossible for the board to give service at competitive rates, with the result that almost every day the number of consumers was being reduced. The supply of power, Mr. Chamberlain contended, was a national undertaking, and there should be a uniform charge. Unless the Department considered the matter seriously, the smaller boards must go out of existence, or else place an excessive burden upon the people. The Minister said that at present a uniform rate would be impossible. Agreements had been entered into, and until they expired boards must fulfil them. He could not see his way clear to thrust upon the people of the Dominion as a whole the burden of paying for services that others enjoyed. Some districts had no power at all, and they should not be made to pay for those which had, "I think the electrical undertaking in New Zealand is something to be proud of," added Mr. Bitehener, "but to say that in future we should supply power at a uniform rate is out of the question. 1 admit, though, that your case is exceptional, and I shall endeavour when the matter comes up again to see whether 1 can give any relief."