POWER SUPPLY IN WAIMAIRI

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23945, 12 May 1943, Page 2

POWER SUPPLY IN WAIMAIRI

CITY COUNCIL’S REPLY TO DEPUTATION PROPOSED AMALGAMATION As a result of the recent move by residents of Waimairi County to have the county's electricity supply taken over by the Christchurch City Council the following letter has been sent to' the Waimairi Council by the Town Clerk of Christchurch (Mr H. S. Feast): — “A deputation of Waimairi ratepayers wailed upon the electricity committee of the Christchurch City Council and inquired whether the counci! would be prepared to take over electrical supply to Waimairi County and, if so. on what terms. This matter has now been considered by the council, and I am directed to slate that the City Council is of the opinion that it should reply to the inquiry, but that the reply should be sent to your council. “The City Council believes that the amalgamation of various adjacent areas with the city is inevitable and will result from the natural development immediately beyond the city|s boundaries. As a result of piecemeal amalgamation, however, a difficult electrical situation might eventuate_ in a neighbouring local body. In these circumstances the council would be prepared to consider favourably taking over such remaining supply without amalgamation, should the local body concerned so desire. “Supply rates for adjacent urban areas would be those in force in the citv for domestic, commercial, and industrial supply. For more remote areas the right would be reserved, though it has hitherto never been exercised, to charge appropriate rates as a power board may do in an outer area. It is hoped that this will satisfactorily explain the City Council’s view in this matter, both to your council and to the ratepayers who made the inquiry.” Mr Feast has sent a copy of (his letter to Mr A. B. Edwardes, the leader of the deputation of Waimairi residents which waited on the City Council.