Electrical Courts

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 44, 22 February 1938, Page 2

Electrical Courts

MORE INFORMATION WANTED WAIPUKURAU, Feb. 21. From Our Own Correspondent. f -mis is tfie worst year for expense that this board has had for many years, and we must go easily with our finances,” said the chairman, Mr A. C. Russell, at the meeting of the Central Hawke’s Bay Electric Power Board, when a further request was received for a quota from the hoard, towards the “electrical court” to be heJd at Weliiugton during the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. After lengthy discussion it was decided to get more information before voting any amount, the allocations being characterised by Mr W. H. Rathbone as extremely unfair.” “The exhibition will be a national undertaking, and it should not be treated in a parsimonious manner.” said Mr W. A. Chambers. “People will go from all over the district to the exhibition, and it will stimulate trade. We shouldn’t throw any spanners into the wheels of an undertaking that will popularise the use of electricity and electrical appliances. I think it is money well spent.” “We know best what our own district can afford,” replied the chairman, Mr A. C. Russell. “Every £1 is needed in our district for our own advancement. There are many things we need, including reticulation of baekblock areas. Seldom in these appeals does the money go to the right channels—numerous people usually get a cut out of the money.” “Give what they ask for or nothing at all,” said Mr Chambers. He moved that the amount of £9O be voted, and Mr Holms seconded the motion. Mr W. H. Rathbone objected to the unfairness of the general allocation. The Dannevirke board, he said, with double the consumers of the Central Hawke’s Bay Board, and nearer to Wellington, was asked to contribute only the same quota as Central Hawke’s Bay. “It would seem,” added Mr Rathbone, “that the schedule was drafted in a hurry. We ought to be acquainted with the amount of the Government subsidy, and we want to know whether the quotas of Auckland and Wellington- will be increased?’ Mr Rathbone moved that the board get further information before voting any amount. This motion was seconded by Mr C. Pattison and carried.