AN EXPLANATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 7 August 1931, Page 3

AN EXPLANATION

ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

OUTLYING DISTRICTS AND TITE RATE The secretary of the, Korere-Motupiko branch of the Farmers’ Union forwarded a protest to the Wuimea County Council meeting yesterday afternoon against the payment, under tho existing conditions, of the Waiyipa Electric Rower Board rate. A suggestion was made that the Board should resign. Councillor Corder (who is also chairman of the Board) in reply to Councillor Higgins, explained the position as it stood at present. Councillor Gibbs said it did not seem a fair thing that the ratepayers in his and other out-ridings should pay the rate. The chairman (Councillor Corder) said all the ratepayers concerned had paid was their share of the expenses of the formation of the Board and general expenses. So far as the expenses in connection with the Brighlwater scheme was concerned tlm ratepayers outside the particular area had not contributed anything. Councillor Gibbs: “When this loan (for the purchase of the Waimea Electric Supply’s plant) is raised, will wo (the out districts) have any responsibility for its share?” 'The chairman: “No; only the ratepayers in the special area are concerned.” Councillor Higgins said it was a/pity such an explanation had not been made before. There was a. lot of misunderstanding about the matter. Councillor Gibbs said the chairman’s explanation put a different complexion on the subject. The letter from the union was “received.”