Untitled

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 151, 29 June 1938, Page 8

the rates should be adjusted so that no consumer should have to pay more now | than three or four years ago. This year’s rato nullifies tho reductions of somo years past." Ho then continued in detail, quoting examples of the unomalics mentioned in tho correspondence, and stated that • in tho past tho commercial rate had always been a penny cheaper than tho domestic and that shopkeepers living , behind their business premises were now enjoying an unfair advantage. , Tho chairman: 1 would like to say that I regret that a full explanation 1 was not forthcoming at the last meet--3 Mr. Gillespie: The finance committee 3 never had the figures of the percentage j that would bo affected put before it. j I did not know tho figure myself, aud L I doubt whether tho other members did. Mr. Picard certainly said a certain . number would bo affected.

Mr. Hansard: I wish to bear out what Mr. Gillespie said. I have no recollection of an actual percentage being mentioned. The report does not seem to have been brought down as it might havo been.

Mr. Craven: This trouble is similar to that produced by the Hutt Board a few years ago. It was admitted that some might havo to pay a little more but that wo Would be able to rectify the matter at somo future dato.

Mr. England: As tho question has affected such a largo number 1 think tho iinauee eommittco should be empowered to go into the matter again to see if they can easo the position. Mr. Barker: 1 did not realise the alteration Avould penalise tho small consumer to such an extent. The chairman referring again to the lack of reduction from the Government, said: "The idea was to bring the rate down, but wo can only tinker at present. Other boards have had this same troublo and are having it. 1 am quito willing to acceptMr. England’s proposal but if avo carry on the old rate wo may bo able to increase the discount a little again; but wo will some day hav e to accept the new rate. The only way to make decent reductions to tho small consumer is by first introducing tho apparent increase. I. am as sorry as anybody thqt the rato should cause hardship; but I am glad that the board is taking a sensible and collected view of the matter and it is for you to decide." Mr. Craven suggested an adjustment say in September, to those affected, but the secretaiy explained that this was uot allowed. All consumers of the same class must be charged at the same rato. Mr. Horne: To my mind it could be done Avith a rate of 15 units at (xl and a certain number at 4d. “The llutt Board has boon mentioned, but they showed a loss. We hud a profit of £2500 Avbich avo must hand back. Each year wo have returned our profit and yet mado another. Tho rato should be a fair one and not penalise those avlio have been carrying the board for 13 years. J. move that the finance committee endeavour to adjust tho rate so that it does not penalise the small lighting consumer.

Mr. England seconded the motion. Mr. Gillespie said the public did not realise the difficulty in distributing a profit so that all would benefit. Ho remarked that per unit represented I £I2OO.

Mr. Harding asked the secretaiy to explain tho theoretical side of tho new rate and Mr. Pickard said that it Avas designed to try to get people to use more electricity. "Under tho old rate," he said, "we could not get them to tnstall even a heater with any sincerity because they had to run over 200 units to get a reduction of lid j>cr unit. Now heaters can be installed and at 9-10 d the rate is cheaper than wood and coal. If avc stayed on tho old rate wo could not get progress at all. Other boards have had the same troublo in changing over but in tho long run have been able to reduco handsomely after the first 12 months. There is no other medium which Avill give you lighting, heating and cooking for undor £1 per month. Electricity can.

"1 havo gone into tho rate fully and in my OAvn mind I am sure it will benefit consumers in tho future as Ave shall bo able to give them a decent reduction. If the new rato were givon a trial that reduction would come.'* The motion that the finance committee reconsider the tariff avus then carried. The letters over which the discussion arose were also referred to tho committee together with another, from the Dannevirke Borough Council, which is still urging a reduction in the charges made for street lighting,.

COSY THEATRE - WOODVILLE TO-NIGHT AT 7.46 P.M. VAUDEVILLE ! VAUDEVILLE • 3i J t j! e “,? ED . DANDIES” COMPANY OF 1938. Come and Enjoy 30 Minuti m ■ P I)a “ c,ll P> Comedy Sketches, Magic, Mirth, Contortion Acts and talking Doll, etc. Something Now! Something Different! No Extra t’liarg ALSO GRAND PICTURE PROGRAMME. LIONEL BARRYMORE, ] n M.G.M.’s “ A FAMILY AFFAIR ” With MICKEY KOONKY CECILIA PARKER LKIU LINDEN CHARLES GRAPEWIN. Here is your town with tho people you know and tho human problems yc understand. Truly a groat picture. Featurettcs: Colour Cartoon Crime JJoesn't Pay Series and “Bars at Stripes,” Musical Comedy. You’ll have a Ureat Evening’s Entertainment at the “Cosy.” (Approved for Universal Exhibition .