ASHBURTON POWER BOARD.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18150, 13 August 1924, Page 11

ASHBURTON POWER BOARD.

TO THE BDITO3. 'Ot "TKIi PRESS-" Sir, —Our worthy member, Mr Watt, says what is needed is a general use of electricity for domestic and farm purposes by country people, and he is no advocate of the public welfare who tries to dissuade people from using that supply. Mr Watt and the Power Board are not only dissuading people from using that supply, but cutting them off. I kiiow a gentleman who had, or as, a private tine, and; the cost of erecting was £4.40. It was passed by Government electrical engineers, and complimented by them as the best-erected line they have- seen for some c6nsiderabla time. This was the first high-tension line to be erected in .Ashburton Now, because this gentleman does not make a free gift of this line to tbe Power Board, he is cut" off. What'an absurdity! May I ask the Power Board why? This gently j man was the pioneer consumer. This j line has five consumers, and pays an of sis pounds per month. I should think that.it would pay better ' than the private line from As-i----burton past the golf links to the camp. Does that pay? In shearing now my friend is cut off. What an expense, bnvific and erecting an engine, and I mar say this shed shears approximately twelve to • fourteen thousand sheep. What will happen if this Power Board goes out? Take the engine out, sell it, and the Cost of having electricity again: Naturally the poles will stand well as they : are' splendidlv erected; not -ike pome poles .that I have seen put. in. There are. eight-fanners and iter buss- , ness.men on the Board. May I ask the farmer .members what is the average life of a green bluegum pole? Ir the I , (Cc«fiisLiiad , a.t foot of naxt colnmJi,)'