ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 22 November 1927, Page 4

ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.

AMENDMENT TO ACT.

SPECIAL RATING POWERS OF BOARDS.

BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAX TO THE STAR. WELLINGTON, Nov. 22.

The most important new clause in the amendment to the Electric Power Boards Act introduced by the Governor’s message in the House last night relates to the powers of boards to levy rates to meet deficiencies in revenue.

The clause is lengthy and provides that a board may, if it thinks fit, levy a special rate according to the graduated scale according to a classification of rateable properties affected, instead of as a uniform rate. Any' rate which it is empowered to levy under the principal act on rateabf? properties, may be classified into such a number of classes as is deemed necessary, and before fixing tlie proportions of rates payable in l-espeet of each class the board shall give public notice and allow 28 days for consideration of objections. Any person aggrieved by the classification may appeal, one ground of objections specified in the clause being that the rate proposed is not in accordance with the benefit received or likely to be received from the expenditure in respect to which the rate is levied.

Appeals are to be heard by' a magistrate, whose decision is final. A board ma.v amend the classification on giving two months’ notice and reopening power to appeal. The Minister of Public Works on introduction of the Bill stated that except for three clauses the. proposals had been submitted to the executive of the Power Boards Association and approved.