POWER BOARD CHARGES

Manawatu Times, Volume XLXI, Issue 3481, 15 December 1926, Page 3

POWER BOARD CHARGES

AN EXPLANATION. At last evening’s meeting of the Pcilding Chamber of Commerce, Mr J. S. Tingey (Peilding’s representative on the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board) referred to the Chamber's enquiries regarding power board charges and the possibility of a reduction. Mr. Tingey, by way of explanation .stated that the ManawatuOroua Power Board was not as efficient a s it might be, tor the reason I hat part of its area (Palmerston North) refused to come in.. When the Board was constituted, the country people were urged to come in and it was stated that there would be no fear of a rate while the towns were in the scheme. The country people were implored to support the scheme, for it wa s then considered certain that the towns would come in. Palmerston North however refused, and what was told the country people had not wholly materialised. Nothing was said at the time, as negotiations were going on between the Board and the Palmerston Borough over the sale of the latter’s plant. This fell through while Mr Tingey was away. The Board was blamed for its charges, but Investigation showed that they were not so high as was believed. Pie was against striking a rate, for if this were done a great deal of country which it not yet served with power or light would be called upon to pay. This would not be fair. Palmerston North had struck rates which had brought in £IB,OOO to meet the deficit on Its plant. If the Power Board had struck a similar rate it would have produced £40,000, but the Board did not desire to strike a rate if it could be avoided. When it was put to the Board to reduce its charges, it was pointed out that a loss might ensue, and this would render a rate necessary. If the Board gave power and lighting at a lower rate, those who wore not cn-

joying the advantages would have to help to pay the deflicit. The Wanganui Board had . not struck a rate, but they had the City of Wanganui to supply. The Manawatu-Oroua Boards richest area, Palmerston North, however, was not in the scheme. The Board was anxious to meet consumers, and if at all possible, a reduction would be made on April Ist next. In reply to a question, Mr Tingey said that several members of the Board were dissatisfied over Palmerston North not being In the Board’s area, and it was hoped that the next Borough elections would bring a better state of mind to the Palmerston Council. It was contrary to the good intentions of the Board for Palmerston North to stand out.