ELECTRICITY CHARGES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21858, 11 August 1936, Page 8

ELECTRICITY CHARGES

*0 THE EDITOB OF THE PRESS. Sir, —I have noticed that there has been a discussion in the papers for some weeks with reference to electricity rates, etc., in the Heathcote county. I have been living on. the hills now for some four or five years, and there is no question that the rates for electric light and power are considerably higher than those ruling in the city. The cost of water heating is excessive, and unless one is prepared to pay an absurdly high rate, the lower rate is hedged round with all sorts of restrictions.

It would appear that the time is right for seriously considering the question of amalgamation with the city, and I have discussed this question with several residents on the hills, but in practically every case they have taken a selfish and short-ranged view of the position. Their argument has always been that they will have to pay higher rates, which would more than offset the benefit gained by lower electricity costs. It is undoubtedly for the good of the city that outlying suburbs should be linked up, and if hill residents are not preoared to pay a shilling or two extra in the way of higher rates, then the sooner the Government acts and forces amalgamation th** better. —Yours, etc., DYER’S PASS ROAD. August 10, 1936.