Compensation for Cows Granted by Power Board

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 42, 20 February 1939, Page 2

Compensation for Cows Granted by Power Board

£6O FOR MR. RIDDER Mr. F. Ridder, of Konini, again waited on the Tararua Electric Power Board at tho monthly meeting in the matter of his cows which were electrocuted by the falling of a power lino on 9th January. Mr. J. Wilson was in the chair, and there were present Messrs. J. B. Carruthers, J. G. Brechin, W. Britland, T. Fouhy, C. T. Richardson, P. Davies, E. W. Cheetham, L. Johnston, the secre-tary-manager, Mr. W. F. Taylor, and the engineer, Mr. D. Fraser. Mr. Ridder, who had been offered £SO in compensation by the board, thanked them for their kindness in making this offer, but wished to know if it were possible to increaso it. lie took the board’s assurance that them was no legal liability on their part, ami had confidence in their statement that no action was possible for him. He was about to adduce figures to show tho extent of his loss, when Mr. Brechin suggested that it would shorten proceedings if he were to state exactly what he wanted.

Mr. Ridder replied that his loss through tho 13 cows killed by the plugging in was estimated at £IOO. The board had offered £SO, and he suggested splitting the difference and making it £755. He appreciated what they had done already, but would be very glad if they could further increase tho amount to that sum.

Tho chairman said that Mr. Ridder had the sympathy of every member of the board. There was no legal liability on the part of the board, but they were not going to stand on that and refuse compensation. Ho had discussed the matter with tho board that morning, and had told them that Mr. Ridder would like a little more compensation, the board being agreeable to offering £6O. Mr. Ridder accepted the board’s ex gratia payment of £6O and thanked the board for its kindness in the matter. The sanction of tho Minister for Public Works was received for the erection of two cottages at Eketahuna for the board’s employees. Accounts amounting to £3759 Is 8d Eketahuna account and £732 11s Pahiatua account, a total of £4491 12s Bd, were passed for payment.