DEAR ELECTRICITY

Grey River Argus, 16 March 1932, Page 6

DEAR ELECTRICITY

IN MANAWATU RURAL AREAS. PALMERSTON PROFITS CITED. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, March lb. The rights of rural areagi to participate with cities and towns, in the benefits of electric power, were stressed by members of local bodies in the Manawatu-Oroua district, in the course of a deputation to Mr Coates. It was r.tated that Palmerston North was buying power in bulk, and carrying out its own reticulation, and was making a big profit, while people in the rural area wore payjng heavily for power. Wanganui was a full partner in the district scheme, and people in rural districts of Wanganui area were enjoying cheaper power than those in Manawatu. It wa s contended that the four metropolitan areas should be separate entities, and that outside these centres there should be complete amalgamation throughout the Dominion. Power was a public utility. It was asked that the cost be amended so that the Boards could reduce charges and, in the event of any loss, make a levy on the partner in the compact, who was contributing nothing to the common weal.

Replying, Mr Coates said that when th? act was first designed it was im possible to foresee some of the difficulties that would arise. Any legislation would have to take into consideration th© implications of existing licenses. The Government would not willingly ride rough shod over existing licenses, but Re thought the Government’s policy would be to make the distribution as equitable as posisble, between town and country. 1I C would, ask the Department to marshal all the facts, and after giving due weight to the existing licenses, he would see if something could not be done to remedy the position. He thought that the Palmerston Council would take a reasonable attitude.