Power Boards’ Merger

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30057, 15 February 1963, Page 3

Power Boards’ Merger

Sir, —I thank Mr V. G. Mason for his reply. Additional to the reticulation loan, mention was not made of a previous loan, proposed a few weeks earlier on the same basis, for the purpose of improving the board’s Hornby offices. Such loans, however serviced, either by direct rating or by increased charges, are an extra commitment on the domestic consumer and at no time has the Springs-Ellesmere Power Board confided in or offered any factual details to those whom it represents. One of the ma>in planks in the second reading of this merger bill was toe savings and economies possible by a single administration, and lower overheads, etc., of the combined areas. Mr Mason’s reply indicates a complexity of duplication. Add to this the basic inconsistency that Springs-Ellesmere consumers, by merging with one of the highest electrical cost structures, can expect mutual advantages, and the wisdom behind this merger proposal has completely vaporised.— Yours, etc, E. P. WINTER. Hornby, February 11, 1963 [The secretary-manager of the Springs-Ellesmere Power Board (Mr V. G. Mason) had no comment except to repeat his invitation to Mr Winter to call at one of the board's offices so that any information he desired could be given.]