Riccarton power charge

Press, 27 March 1979, Page 6

Riccarton power charge

Consumers in Riccarton Borough will pay 42 per cent more for electricity after May 1. The . Riccarton Borough Council last evening ratified the recommendation of its electricity committee to increase the tariffs. The Town Clerk (Mr T. N. Neate) has sent a telegram on behalf of the council to the Minister of Energy (Mr Birch) objecting to the increase, especially in the domestic tariff and the effect it would have on the South Island. “We have to get behind the South island Local Bodies Association in opposing the increase, which is a retrograde step for the South Island,” said the Mayor of Riccarton (Mr R. W. T. Harrington). “When you read about the wastage of electricity' that goes on in New, Zealand it is absolutely criminal.” Cr R. S. Lester said he was sure that the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) did not realise the implications of the elec-

tricity increases to the South Island. Liaison needed Better liaison was needed between ad hoc bodies and councils, Cr Lester said, referring to the recently completed reconstruction of the Riecarton roundabout at the interesection of Deans Avenue and Riecarton Road.

It had not yet been paid for, he said, and now a digger from the gas works had come and dug up the part of the road at the roundabout where the “tar is still hot.” He said the contractor for the gas works had told him that he was replacing a valve, and that it should have been done before the road was altered. Ao pictures The Avenue picture theatre, I on Riecarton Road, will be I

closed on Good Friday, .April 13. Masters Independent Theatres asked permission to show general exhibition attractions suitable for families on both Good Friday and Anzac Day. The Town Clerk (Mr Neate) said the Christchurch City Council had refused to let city theatres open on Gooff Friday.

The Riecarton council followed suit in a recommendation for the Riecarton theatre, but agreed that it could remain open on Anzac Day. More, please The Christchurch Arts Centre has written to the council seeking a 10 per cent increase in its contribution, from $1425 to $1568. It will be considered at the next estimates meeting.