WHO IS LIABLE?

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 43, 20 February 1942, Page 7

WHO IS LIABLE?

COST OF SHADING LIGHTS

A dispute has arisen as to who should pay for the cost of shading street lights under the restricted lighting regulations. The matter does not arise in Wellington, where the City Council is both the supply authority and the body ordering, and is carrying out the work. In.the Hutt Valley and adjacent districts, however, the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board carries out the work on the demand of the local lighting controller, who, though an official of the Power Board, carries out the duties of controller under the jurisdiction of various local bodies. The work was done by the Power Board, which has demanded payment from the local bodies concerned. Several of these have been advised by the municipal association solicitor that they have no power to pay the accounts under the Municipal Corporations Act, and that the Audit Department will not ■ allow the payment. The solicitor states that the body owning and operating the electric service—the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board—is liable." The board yesterday decided to refer the matter to the Audit Department.