ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY OR POWER BOARD?

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 June 1928, Page 11

ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY OR POWER BOARD?

(To the Editor.) Sir, —1 feel sure the people of Hawera and district will appreciate the publicity given through your .paper of negotiations between the Electric Light Company and the Blower Board. In my opinion the wisest course to pursue is for the Power Board to license the Electric Light Company tq carry on lor a term of years on conditions agreed 'upon by the two bodies. Alter all, what does it matter to the pulblic who supplies the power, as long as we get the 'service required, and price reasonable, in comparison with other such companies in the Dominion. I believe the ’prices Charged by the Hawera Electric. Company compare more than favourably. The price asked, £140,000 allows 'about from £25,000 to £30,000 for the goodwill. If one studies the balancebheet of the company it will not take long to ascertain it is a good paying proposition. We know' that the Poiwei Board would have amount paid in taxation to the good. This money gees to the Government if the Power Board Were exempt of this charge, then the people would still pay through some bbher channel. I contend that _ the (Power Board, with wisdom in administration, should be able to buy at the price mentioned, and carry on without any increase in rates. On the other hand, is it worth the risk, when we ara well served under the ’present arrangements. A committee of the Electric Light Company and ‘Power Board could meet from time to time and arrange about extension ol lines, and agree upon the price, also determine What extensions should be undertaken. Further, the same Committee could determine the prices to be Charged consumers and have the assurance from the company that when compared with other charges the ratepayers would be satisfied. Why take the risk of a possible rate when no assurance of better service and. cheaper Iam ' et °"“ CAUTION.