Labour Opposed To Merger Moves

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30499, 22 July 1964, Page 3

Labour Opposed To Merger Moves

Any Government move to merge power boards with municipal electricity supply authorities would most certainly be strongly opposed the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nordmeyer) said in Dunedin last night.

Mr Nordmeyer had been asked what he thought of allegations made by Mr Whittleston.

This is certainly not a prospect which city dwellers will contemplate with any degree of pleasure.”

“I am aware that the Government has been considering legislation, the effect of which would be to reduce the number of power boards throughout the country,” Mr Nordmeyer said. “This may not necessarily be a bad thing provided amalgamation will improve efficiency and serve the interests of the consumers.

“But if it is correct that the Government contemplates merging power boards with the present municipal electrical supply authorities, it is embarking on a course which is bound to create the greatest opposition from the municipal supply authorities and most certainly from the Parliamentary Labour Party.” Any suggestion that the municipal supply authorities should be paid compensation in order to win their support was “likely to fall on deaf ears.” Mr Nordmeyer said. “The only effect of the Government’s proposal will be to increase electricity charges in the urban areas