Possible power rise worries board

Press, 12 October 1985, Page 9

Possible power rise worries board

Plans to increase power charges to Canterbury schools next year have been harshly criticised by the Canterbury Education Board. The Central Canterbury Electric Power Board advised schools last month that their tariffs would change from domestic to commercial from April next year. With GST, this represented an increase of 131 per cent for one intermediate school, Mr Ron Armstrong told the board yesterday. “The results of this change are simply staggering. Members will have noted the criticism by the Waimairi District Council of the Christchurch City Council in its use of huge profits from M.E.D. accounts. If

such large surpluses are available it is a shame that schools are being treated in this way,” he. said. Mr Armstrong was concerned that the increases would mean less money available for maintenance to schools and improvements in education. He suggested that power authorities in the South Island could take note of the attitude of their “colleagues in the north” and give some support to schools in a more positive way. “In the North Island many power authorities replace regularly, free of charge, electric stoves in home economics rooms so . that pupils can gain experience with the most up-to-date equipment Microwave ovens are also provided free

of charge to many home economics rooms. No such policies are apparent in this area," he said. ; Mr Armstrong’s concerns were strongly supported by the rest of the board. A letter outlining these concerns will be sent to the Minister of Energy, Mr Tizard, with a copy to the Minister of Education, Mr Marshall. Kohanga reo A new in-service training programme for teachers of pupils in kohanga reo schemes was announced by the Canterbury senior inspector of schools, Mr Les Cramond. Mr Cramond told the board that provision had been made next year for .several 10-day