Power Board Gets New Chairman

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6866, 24 May 1932, Page 8

Power Board Gets New Chairman

Verbal Sparring at Annual Meeting New Members Promise Changes in Policy

Expected to provide some lively deDate as the prelude to changes in policy^ yesterday ’B annual meeting of the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board, at which seven new faces were seen, fulfilled predictions. The first clash occurred with the election of a chairman for the ensuing year; hut, with a majority of the members pledged to support the the country district and the policy of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, they had no difficulty in getting f eir “™ e9> ’ O McElroy, elected, replacing Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., who had been chair man of the board since its inception. Realising the hopelessness of th position, supporters of the old regime did not put Mr. Kash forward for re-election, but they did not let the occasion pass without making comm . Then came the appointment of the executive, and members carried the day, enlarging the committee to a majonty of toe board and making their own appointments, which compns d P tives from each of the constituent local bodies.

Those present were Messrß J. A.' Nash, C. G. C. Dermer, J. Hodgens, M. A. Eliott, J. Boyce, 0. McElroy, J. Batchelar, N. Campbell, W. McKay, P. G. Guy, E. O. Bond end W. P. Bickers. Mr. Nash, who occupied the chair at the outset, extended a welcome to the new members of the board and wished them every success in the work they had undertaken. He then moved that the balance sheet bo receivod and his annual Teport be adopted. The balance sheet, he explained, was not adopted until it had been certified by tho Audit Department. In the balance sheet, Mr. Nash proceeded, there were matters of interest to members. Last year the board had made certain reductions in charges ror electricity because of the fact that it had been able to secure a largo benefit by way of exchange. This year, However, the position was somewhat different, and the matter would have to be reviewed. Referring to the position of the loan account, he said that tho board had held off borrowing money for new works, and that if new works were required, it would be necessary to raise further loans. However, there was still a sum of £40,000 that could be raised without making application to the rate--1 payers; so that if the board felt that it would have to raise money, the means were there. In the power fund account a small sum was available. No Recommendations Made. “It is customary for me,” Mr. Nash went on, “to bring down recommendations in the annual report. On this occasion I have not done so, simply for ■the reason that the majority of the new members stood for a policy formulated by the Consumers’ Association in Feilding, and I felt that any proposals 1 might make would not be acceptable. For that reason I have refrained from bringing down any recommendations. “I can say that, with one exception, I have enjoyed the full confidence of the members of the board. They have • appreciated the fact that I have endeavoured to act impartially as between town and country, and Mr. McElroy has been loud in his pnfise of my endeavours. “The board’s financial position is very satisfactory. We have accumulated reserves of about £69,000 in the short space of seven years, and it will be remembered that wo have pulled through with a liability of over £500,000 without calling on the ratepayers for a shilling in the way of Tates. The board has accomplished a great deal in that direction. Appreciation of Staff’s Work. “In the staff we have a fine body of men, who have always placed the board’s interests first.” Mr. Nash then thanked Messrs W. A. Waters (chief engineer), T. Donaldson (assistant engineer) and K. W. Eglinton (secretary) for the loyalty and co-operation that they had extended to him and the board. Other officers had done their work faithfully at all times, and he was certain that the same spirit would continue in evidence. “I want to express my appreciation,” the speaker went on, “of the good feeling between the Feilding Borough Council and the board. There have never been any disagreements from the time we took over the works in Feilding, end any matters brought under our notice have always been amicably adjusted. New Policy Awaited. “I shall be deeply interested to hear if the new policy of tho board, and if it is in the interests of the consumers and the ratepayers, it will have my support. In conclusion, may I express the hope that the members will do their utmost to make this one of tho leading boards of the Dominion.” (Hear! Hear!) Mr. Nash’s motion was seconded by Mr. Batchelar. Mr. Boyce: I take it that the bulk of our loans are local? Mr, Nash replied in the negative, saying that there was the A.M.P. loan of £400,000. The banks would give the board nothing by way of exchange on Australia now, but the election of a new Government in New South Wales might have some bearing on the position of New Zealand loans. The chairman’s motion was then agreed to, whereupon Mr. Nash vacated the chair for the election of the new chairman. “I have much pleasure in nominating Mr. McElroy,” said Mr. Guy on the secretary calling for nominations. is one of the older members of ■the board, and I think we should honour him by electing him as our chairman.” Mr. Bond seconded the proposal. Town Versus Country? "It would be extremely; difficult for.

mo at this juncture,” said Mr. Hodgens, “to make another nomination, which, however, I would like to do. Although I am a city member, with the possibility of being misunderstood by new members of the board, I must take the risk of that, because I feel that some of the new members are not thoroughly conversant with tho reason why Palmerston North came into the board in the first instance. I therefore feel that a feeling has been created of country versus town, or town versus country ” Mr. Guy, interrupting, rose to a point of order. “I do not think there is any necessity for long speeches,” he stated. “I rise to another point of order,” said Mr. Nash. “I think Mr. Hodgens is perfectly right. Surely any member has the right to speak. I think the objection is absurd.” Mr. Guy Tose and started to speak, but was interrupted by Mr. Hodgens. “I sat down,” the latter said, “while another member askoa for a ruling, but I am not going to continue sitting down.”

Mr. Eglinton ruled that Mr. Hodgens was justified in speaking to the motion. “With a resolution such as that which has been moved,” Mr. Hodgens continued, “I am in my rights to review the position leading up to the nomination coming from a member of the country district. I feel it is no use my nominating Mr. Nash for the position, and I think that when the new \ members realise the true position, they will possibly regret that they did not have the opportunity of electing some member other than Mr. McElroy at today’s meeting. “We have a business with a turnover of £BO,OOO in the year, and I put it to you that we are tho directors and that our nominee should be tho chairman of directors. I have sat beside Mr. McElroy for several years, and in my humble opinion Mr. McElroy is not the man for the position. He is not blessed with the best of good health and has not had the necessary commercial training to fulfill the position of chairman. A Surprise Nomination. “I put it to you,” said Mr. Hodgens, addressing the country members, “that if you are desirous of getting from your ranks tho most suitable man for the position, Mr. Dermer is the man for the chairmanship. I have pleasure in nominating him.” Mr. Eliott supported Mr. Hodgens in his nomination of Mr. Dormer. “There is nothing whatever personal in this,” he said to Mr. McElroy. “I know you have not enjoyed the best of health, and I do not think that you aro seeking the post of your own free will. From what I know of Mr. Dermer, I feel that he would make a good chairman, and he has been elected to carry out the new policy. It is true that he may not have a great deal of knowledge of the chairman’s work, but that will be quickly overcome.” “This has taken me by surprise,” said Mr. Dermer. “I thank the gentlemen who nominated me, but I regret that I have to decline. I think it would be ridiculous for mo to accept nomination, as I have no knowledge of Power Board work. However, I may say that I kavo every confidence in Mr. McElroy. ’ ’ Mr. Eliott: So have we. Mr. Dermer: It is true that Mr. McElroy’s health is not what wo would like to see, and it is possible that he may not be able to hold the position as long as we would like. “Thi3 all goes to show that I am not the best man,” said Mr. McElroy, “and I agree with Mr. Hodgens. I was asked to accept nomination and i refused for a long time. I will support Mr. Dermer’s nomination for the position.” • Mr. Eliott: He has withdrawn. Mr. Dermer: Yes. Deputy Chairman Suggested. Mr. Bond: I take it that Mr. McElroy’s nomination is in order, ana I cannot see any good in influencing members to vote against their judgment. I move we appoint a deputy chairman to assist Mr. McElroy. Tho board’s power to appoint a deputy chairman was questioned by Mr. Hodgens. Mr. Eglinton said that as long as there was no remuneration, it would be in order. Mr. Hodgens: I do not want to make your position more difficult, Mr. Eglinton. It is unfair that the secretary should have to sit in your present position. But I take it from tho Act that there is no provision for a deputy chairman. If the elected chairman Should happen to be absent from any meeting, then tho members can elect a chairman for that meeting. Mr. Boyce: I think we are out of order, [Wo are supposed to be electing

the chairman. After that is over wo can consider appointing a deputy chairman. Mr. Eglinton then inquired for further nominations, and on none being forthcoming, ho declared Mr. McElroy olected. Tho latter, on taking the chair, thanked members for tho honour done him. “I need hardly say,” he said, “that I was not after the position. I't was only after consideraable pressure that I agreed to carry on for a time. It will be my cndeavoul, to the best of my ability, to carry out my duties in an impartial manner. According to Mr. Hodgens, I am going to be a square peg in a round hole ” Mr. Hodgens: I made no reference to a square peg in a round hole. Tho chairman: You questioned my ability, and I agree with you. I feel that I am an unworthy successor to the late chairman. Mr. Hodgson: Hear! Hear! The Ratepayers’ Voice. ,/“if it were not for force of circumstances,” said Mr. McElroy, continu-j ing, “Mr. Nash would remain our chairman for somo time, but owing to the unfortunate position of Palmersto'u North in regard to the Power Board area, tho ratepayers of the various counties have, through the ballot boxes, declared that the position is not as it should be. I would like to ask for your support during the term that I occupy office and to ask you to overlook many shortcomings of mine, i feel sure I will havo the support of the board, and I know it is not necessary to ask for the support of the officers of tho board.” Regarding tho appointment of a deputy chairman, Mr. Nash said that the Act definitely laid down that the chairman should preside at every meeting at which he was present. If he did not attend, then the meeting elected a chairman for the day. He moved that tho appointment of a deputy chairman bo held over until a ruling was obtained. “It is a common thing with local bodies,” said Mr. McElroy, “to elect a deputy: chairman. ” Mr. Eliott: You cannot elect a deputy chairman for future meetings. “One of the conditions on which 1 agreed to accept nomination,” said the chairman, ‘ ‘ was that a deputy chairman should be appointed.” Must Conform to Act. Mr. Hodgens: You and other interested members cannot decide tho policy of tho board outside of that Act, If the chairman wishes an alteration of the Act, it is a most unheard-of thing. We must do our business according to the Act. I feel that the opinion we will get will be that we will have to conform to the Act. Mr. Campbell: Why don’t we do it now without this haggling 1 “Absolutely,” said Mr. Guy. Mr. Nash: Suppose you do it now and later find out that you aro wrong 1 “I don’t see that any harm can be done by accepting Mr. Nash’s resolution,” stated Mr. Dermer. Tho chairman: I would be a pity if we found that we were wrong. Mr. McKay explained that the deputy chairman would assist Mr. McElroy outside of the board’s business at meetings. “Hole and corner methods?” inquired Mr. Hodgens. Mr. Guy: I am in favour of a deputy chairman, and I think ho would be of assistance to the chairman who has been elected. If we elect a deputy chairman and it turns out to be wrong, the wrong can be righted. First Time Question Raised. On being asked by Mr. Boyce for his opinion, Mr. Eglinton said that it was the first timo the question had ever been raised. However, he thought that even if the board elected a deputy chairman there and then, it would have to confirm the appointment every meeting. “Our move is going to be a progressive one,” Mr. Bond told the meeting. “So why split hairs? We are not committing a criminal offence. I think the feeling of the board is that a deputy chairman should bo elected from the outset.” The chairman: No harm can be done by agreeing to Mr. Nash’s motion. After Mr. Nash had explained that he was not raising an objection to the appointment of a deputy chairman, his motion was carried, Mr. Guy voting against it. Trouble Over the Executive. The meeting then proceeded to the election of the executive committee, which Mr.Eglinton, in reply to a question by Mr. Bickers said, had alwnv* comprised six members.

Mr. Guy: I will move that seven be appointed. Mr. Nash: You might as well have the whole board. “Seven would be a majority of the board,” pointed out Mr. Eliott. Mr. Boyce: There are seven local bodies and I think they should have a representative each. Mr. Nash: You would not need the board then. An amendment was then moved by Mr. Nash that tho executive committee consist, as formerly, of six members. “You might as well say,” he declared, “that you are going to run things without tho board.” Mr. Boyce: Every local body is entitled to a representative on the executive. “Palmerston North,” said Mr. Eliott, “did not press for one.” “I don’t want to cross swords again,” stated Mr. Hodgens, rising to speak. Mr. McElroy: I hope you are not .going to make it too hot for the chairman at his first meeting. Business In Committee Wrong. Mr. Hodgens went on to point out that, with a majority of members on the executive, the business of the board would bo carried out in committee, and that would bo wrong. Local bodies were in the habit of taking care that they did not have a majority on committees. Mr. Eliott: Tho executive has always been less than half of tho board. “That does not cut any ice,” replied Mr. Boyce, “bccauso tho chairman has always been on the executive and he has had a casting vote.” “Arguing whether' there shall be six or seven members on the executive is only splitting hairs,” said Mr. Dormer. “If there were three members, there would bo more work done.” The amendment—that tho executive should consist of six—was then put to the meeting and defeated, those voting for it being Messrs Nash, Eliott, Hodgens and Batchelar. With tho motion carried, the following executive was nominated by the country and Feilding members: Messrs Bond, Guy, Dermer, Eliott, McKay, Campbell and tho chairman. Enlarging the Executive’s Functions. Tho next business related to the election of a finance committee, tho chairman suggesting that tho work should bo dono by the executive. Mr. Guy moved in that direction. Mr. Hodgens: The executive' might as well do tho whole of tho business of the board in your hole and corner method. Mr. Guy laughed. Mr. Hodgens: This is not the time for levity. This is a serious matter, but Mr. Guy cares to treat it as a joke. Tho business of the board, Mr. Hodgens, went on, had never been transacted without the press being present; so with the new executive doing the board’s work, ho thought the press should be invited to attend executive meetings. Mr. Bond: I take strong exception to tho allegations being made against the executive. I am astonished that Mr. Hodgens should go to such depths us that. We aro here in the interests of the consumers. A Promise Asked For. Mr. Nash: You have no right to put a majority of the board on the executive. Are you prepared to say that the executive is not to conduct business

on behalf of the board unless it is given authority? Mr. Campbell: That looks like town versus country. I am going to stand my ground. The men on the executive are connected with dairy, companies doing bigger business than tho board and have behind them tho public opinion of tho people who elected them. Mr. Hodgens said that on tho executive were men who had pecuniary interests in dealings with tho board. Ho referred to tho directors of dairy companies trading with tho board, and said it was possible that at the executive meetings they might put tho interests of their companies before those of the board; yet at tho board meetings, when tho press was present, they might not take the same stand. One could be forgiven for thinking that. Mr. Dermer rose to a point of order, saying that tho election of tho executive had been finished with. Tho proposal that tho accounts should be dealt with by the executive was then agreed to. Chairman’s Honorarium Cut. Mr. Nash then moved that the chairman’s honorarium bo as formerly. Mr. Hodgens: I don’t think it wise definitely to decide on that, because thero may be a possibility of the executive giving consideration to cuts in wages and salaries. If the executive do that, I take it that it will bo making fish of one and fowl of another. Mr. Nash pointed out that there had been a cut already in the chairman’s honorarium. “Wo aro of the opinion,” said Mr. Bond, “that, without casting any reflection on tho past chairman, ho has been too highly paid. Wo think some cut should bo mado in the honorarium of tho chairman. I will movo an amendment that it be £l5O, instead of £180.” The amendment was carried, only Messrs Nash and Hodgens voting against it. Appreciation of Services. After a meeting of the executive had been arranged for next Monday to deaJ with the estimates, transport and other matters, Mr. Nash moved that the board place on record its appreciation of the services rendered to the board and the consumers by the late members. Tho chairman and Mr. Eliott spoke in support, and the motion was carried. Appreciation of Mr. Nash’s work as chairman since the inception of tho board was voiced by Mr. McElroy, on whoso motion tho services of tho late chairman, were placed on record. In returning thanks, Mr. Nash said he felt he had been able to do something for the board, whoso work was different from that of a local body, ft was a business, pure and simple, and one that had to bo carefully watched in regard to finance. He wished the new chairman every success in his office. Mr. Nash moved that tho engineer obtain particulars of the prices charged by other boards in New Zealand and present a report. “Why not include tho prices charged by the cities?” asked Mr. Guy. “Unless wo have all the costs we may be led astray.” Mr. Nash had no objection to the addition being made to his resolution, which was agreed to. Outline of Proposals Sought. Mr. Hodgens, referring to a statement by tho chairman that the executive had a “budget” to go into, asked