ELECTRIC POWER

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 June 1925, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER

BOROUGH COUNCIL’S DECISION

To purchase power in bulk from ' the Grey Electric Power Board, and undertake its distribution in the ' Borough, or to allow the Board to undertake such distribution? That was the question debated by the Greymouth Borough Council last evening, and the atmiosphere at times became “electrical” before it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Power Board. Incidentally, it was admitted that the main factor was the prospective loss of revenue ■ from the municipal gas works, as a result of the competition of electricity. It was also admitted that the price of gas has long been too high at Greymouth, and the Council’s policy 111 this* regard came jn for some criticism. An argument put forward in favour of the supply of power being left in the hands of the Board, was that the Borough would require additional staff and buildings, and would have to raise a loan, if it undertook “'the distribution of power. In accordance with notice given, Cf. H.„ F. Doogan reeved: “That all matters relating to the supply and distribution of electricity within tlje Borough of Greymouth, be carried out by the Grey Electric-power Board.” He spoke at length in favour of the motion. Cr. F. A. Kitchingham also lengthily supported the motion, which he seconded. Cr. J. W. Greenslade moved as an amendment: “That this Council considers it is in the best interests of the ratepayers that further and more mature consideration be given this matter, and that the Power Board be approached and asked whether it is willing, and what concession it is ' prepared to give, and that expert advice be obtained and supplied to the Council before a definite decision is made.” Cr. G., R- Harker seconded the amendment. Cr. R. J. Williams supported the motion, on the ground that the Grey power district was not big enough to warrant sub-division in...the matter of supplying power. Cr. J. B. Kent said he did not think the Council could supply power cheaper than the Board could do it. The Mayor (Mr. W. H. Parfitt) expressed himself in favour of the resolution. After Crs. Greenslade and Doogan had replied, a division was taken, resulting in the amendment being lost by six votes to three, those voting in its favour being Crs. Greenslade, Williams, and Harker. The motion was then put and carried. “That’s that!” said Cr. Kent, with a sigh of relief. “I wish we could get the Recreation Ground settled as easily!” remarked Cr. Kitchingham.