THE PROBLEM OF PAYMENT.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20910, 18 July 1933, Page 7

THE PROBLEM OF PAYMENT.

ELECTRICITY ACCOUNTS. DEPARTMENTS CONSIDERATION An assurance that every consideration was given to those consumers who, owing to the pressure of circumstances, were in financial difficulties, was given by Mr E. Hitchcock, general manager of the municipal electricity department, in his annual report presented to the Christchurch City Council last evening. "The problem of outstanding accounts has presented very considerable difficulty during the year," Mr Hitchcock said. "Many consumers hitherto most regular in their payments are falling seriously into arrears. Most do their best by instalments. A few seem inclined to take advantage of present difficulties. On the whole the attitude toward outstanding accounts and the efforts made regarding them under present prevailing circumstances, constitute a remarkable and reassuring tribute to the widespread sense of obligation still strongly held in such matters, in spite of seeming grounds, and not infrequent suggestions, to the contrary. "Every encouragement and help has been given to sincere necessitous cases. Much credit is due to the staff concerned in its endeavour to deal wisely with the conflicting claims of individual needs and distress, on the one hand, and on the other the discharge of a public duty in handling the accounts of the department."