WAITOMO POWER BOARD

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 4641, 18 May 1938, Page 5

WAITOMO POWER BOARD

HEATING TARIFF REDUCED. SALARY INCREASES GRANTED. MR. J. N. BODDIE CHAIRMAN. The annual meeting of the Waitomo Power Board was held on Monday, when there were present Messrs. V. W. Simms (in the chair), E. T. Gorton, W. Bluck, W. S. Cato, C. S. Brook, W. A. Lee and J. N. Boddie, the secretary (Mr. Seeker), and the engineer (Mr. Davidson). On the motion of Mr. Gorton, seconded by Mr. Bluck. Mr. J. N. Boddie was elected chairman of the Board for the ensuing 12 months. There were no other nominations. The remuneration of the chairman and the members' expenses were fixed on the same basis as last year. Considerable discussion followed in regard to salary increases. Eventually, on the motion of Mr. Cato, seconded by Mr. Lee, it was decided to grant salary increases of £SO to both the secretary and engineer, the accountant was granted an increase of £25, and the inspector an increase of a similar amount. Annual increases were granted the junior members of the staff.

A bonus of £25 each to the secretary and engineer for their good work during the past year was granted on the motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Bluck. Miss R. Henderson, who leaves the staff at the end of the month in view of her marriage, was granted a month's holiday on full pay in '. recognition of her eight years' service.

It was decided to hold the monthly meeting on the" third Monday of the month, as previously. The whole Board will once again comprise the Finance Committee.

On the motion of Mr. Lee, it was decided to apply to the Loans Board for sanction to raise a further £25,000 loan for extensions. The Board's intentions had been advertised, and no objections had been received.

Correspondence was received from the Arohena branch of the Farmers' Union in regard to the possibility of reticulating the Arohena district, and asking for particulars to permit a survey of the area to be made? As the Board delegated the secretary and Mr. Simms to meet the setters in the area, the latter commented that, failing Government assistance, prospects of reticulating this territory did not look hopeful owing to the unsettled country lying between the district and the Board's lines.

On the recommendation of the engineer it was decided to call tenders for the purchase of an additional half-ton truck, and to replace the existing half-ton truck used by the inspector with a three-seater car.

The engineer reported arrangements were almost completed regarding guarantees on the Wharepuhunga and Otorohanga lines, which have already been approved. The chairman and engineer are to attend a meeting of settlers of the Whawharua-Tahaia districts. The work of building half a mile of line to supply M. Beros's shingle plant to be erected at the Viaduct reserve, Te Kuiti, was approved. On the suggestion of Mr. V. W. Simms, it was decided to amend the present heating rate of the first 20 units at 3d and the balance at l%d a unit, to the first 20 at 3d and the balance at Id a unit. This concession, it was estimated, would entail £3OO a year. . The line along Troopers' Road was approved, subject to suitable arrangements with the Wairere Board and guarantees being satisfactory.