WESTLAND POWER BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1929, Page 6

WESTLAND POWER BOARD

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11th

The adjourned meeting of the Board was held at 4 p.m. Present: — Messrs J. A. Murdoch (voted to the chair), B. Ward, E. A. Wells, T. R, Chestcrman, R. Whiley, F. Selby, and T. W. Bruce.

Apologies were made for Messrs W. J. Butler and D. i\ Stuart. The Chairman stated the meeting had been adjourned last Tuesday till that aftqrnoon for "the purpose of considering the application of the Westland Power Ltd. for the cancellation of the right of the Kanieri Electric Ltd. to supply electric light and power to tho Mental Hospital, in favour of the Company, as the right was in the Power Board’s district.

The Chairman (Air AV. J. Butler) wrote regretting his inability to be present at the adjourned meeting that day, and expressing, the opinion that the application of the Westland Power Ltd. should be granted. A telegram from Christchurch from Mr I). P. Stuart stated he had perused the Chairman’s letter and endorsed the attitude of the Chairman. The Kanieri Electric Ltd. wrote in reference to the published report of last meeting, stating .though not officially advised of the position, they took the opportunity of opposing .the suggested cancellation of their right, pointing out they had fulfilled their obligations under their agreement at all times and questioning the legality of the camcellation asked for.

Air Langford "'as present on behalf of AVestland Power Ltd. and on request Air Radford attended on behalf of Kanieri Electric Ltd.

Mr Murdoch pointed out that the Board was distinct from the AVestland Rower Ltd. HAe personal view was that the Board had not the legal right to grant the request. Mr AVard said lie would like to hear Air Langford further. He had understood at last meeting that it was stated the Kanieri Electric Ltd. could not satisfy the requirements of the Mental Hospital. The position at present .was somewhat different from what was the other day. He felt they should give the same facilities to the AVestland Rower Ltd. as they would give to themselves as a Board, but if such an action, was illegal as suggested then he would like to have the matter cleared up first.

Afr Langford suggested that the meeting ho further adjourned till all members were present and legal opinion had been obtained. The chairman invited members to express .their views as regards the request irrespective of tho legal position.

Mr Bruce said the Board when granting permission to the Kanieri Electric Ltd. had made certain safeguards. He was not prepared to stultify his action of ten years ago. Air Selby was in favour of all having a fair deal. The Kanieri Electric Ltd. had started in good faith and had carried out their duties fairly and well. Now a new Company had started out. and he hesitated to give a definite statement until the legal position was outlined. Air Whiley felt that he was on the Board 'in the interests of the late payers. He saw no reason why the Board cannot grant the request of the AVestland Power Ltd., who were carrying on on behalf of the AVestland Rower Board. Sooner or later the Board may have to take over the whole business.

Mr Ward said there was a good deal of common sense in what Mr Wliiley had said. The Board were looked on as the luckiest Power Board in New Zealand. There were getting the service though they were paying nothing for it. When the Ku.mare water race was taken over, the Westland Power Ltd. undertook to do the work the Board would have liked to do, but it had not the money and had not the courage to go on. The Company was worthy of every consideration. The question was whether the Board had the power to giveeffect'to their request. He had only good words for the Kanieri ElectricLtd., but the Westland Power Ltd. was their child, which should have all the encouragement and assistance the Board could give, as it was on a special footing. He wanted to have the legal position cleared up. If we can do it legally, ho would say they should grant the request. Mr Chestcrman had the same views now as at last meeting. He had a sweat feeling for Kanieri Electric Ltd., who had done a power of work, luit he still thought they should accede to the request of their substitute and grant the request.

Mr Wells said he could not see anv other course to be followed, hut to accede to the request of Westland Power Ltd., subject of course to the legal position being favourable. He was sorry to oppose the Kanieri Electric Ltd. who had done such goo-! work in the district.

Mr Murdoch said ho took it that Messrs Chestcrman and Wliiley were prepared to go the whole hog. He referred to the position from the inauguration of the Board and the result of following the advice given, which had not cost the Board anvtiling. Tie thought they would ho well advised to proceed cautiously and give every consideration before 1 ihev took decided action.

Ho moved that consideration he adjourned and that both Companies he requested to submit legal opinions on the power of the Board to take the required action. Mr Bruce seconded the motion.

Mr Whiley moved an amendment that the request of V* estland Power

Ltd. be granted subject to the approval of the Minister of Public Works. Seconded by Mr Chesterman. The amendment was put arid l° The motion was then put and cariied. Ayes—Messrs Wells, Bruce,, Selby, Ward and Murdoch. Noes —Messrs Whilcy and Chesterman.

Mr Langford made a correction to statements made by Messrs Bruce and Murdoch, in the course oif which it was mentioned that the Westland Power Ltd. paid a royalty to "Westland Power Board of a percentage per unit sold, with a minimum of £SO per year. Messrs Langford and Radford agreed to procure the legal opinion asked for and the meeting adjourned sine die, the next meeting to be called for on a date suitable to the parties interested.