EXEMPTION FROM POWER RATES

Evening Star, Issue 19632, 11 August 1927, Page 10

EXEMPTION FROM POWER RATES

NON'RETIGULATED AREAS PETITION OF SOUTHLAND RATEPAYERS [From Our Paruamustmiv Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August J(). With a view to bringing the matter directly before Parliament, 300 ratepayers of the Southland Electric Power Board’s district have petitioned the House asking that a commission be appointed to inquire into the position regarding the making of separate rates lor non-reticulated areas. This question was the subject of a i deputation to the Minister of Works' earlier in the week. The petitioners say that when the Power Board scheme was first promoted, prior to the actual constitution of tho board, definite assurances were given that the whole of the district would be reticulated. These assurances were tbo determining factor when the scheme was submitted to tho ratepayers. Tho scheme of reticulation carried out, or now contemplated by the board, is very greatly modified, and as a, result the petitioners, are deprived of the benefits which they were promised; In the ease of the majority of the petitioners there is now no chance of securing these benefits for many years to come, if ever. The board lias levied rates for the purpose of making up its deficiency in income. The petitioners say that, in view of the modification of the scheme, it is but bare justice that their lands be excluded from the. rate able'district till reticulation benefits are extended. Unless relief is obtained the present rates will be chargeable for an indefinite number of years, and more than probably that charge will be an increasing one. In addition to the request for a commission to devise means of removing the cause of hardship, the petitioners ask that Parliament grant n sum to relieve the petitioners from the unproductive burden placed upon them.