ELECTRIC POWER SCHEME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 9 November 1935, Page 13

ELECTRIC POWER SCHEME

(To the Editor) Sir, —As “Why” continues to do his utmost to make Mr Everett out to be a storyteller re power charges to Ins detriment while he is standing for political honours, I now ask “Why’ to be honest and ask him to have the whole report of the Marlborough Power Board’s meeting containing the report in reference to the £6 minimum in which Mr Parker agreed with Mr Nees that the minimum charge was too high—too high for what “Why was careful not to say. The report will show the general public who is the gentleman making all the false statements. Without getting proof of _ anything, “Why” accuses me of replying on behalf of Mr Everett and being one of his backers. I am an “Atmoreite” as far as Nelson politics go; am “agin the Government” and I do not even know Mr Everett. “Why” writes anything that comes into his head. I still say that there was no general rate inflicted upon Marlborough consumers, that there, was no power shortage and that the minimum rate was £3 per annum. “Why” advises me to go more fully into the matter of power charges. Well, as I depended on power installations for my living I don’t think “Why” can teach me anything in that direction. I think “Why” and Mr Berryman would be the first people to open their mouths if the Government decided to spend £250,000 at the Cobb, mainly for private enterprise (the Cement Works and Onakaka). It strikes me that both these gentlemen resent any sort of new industry being started. It’s about time this Hume-Cobb piffle was finished with. I wonder what business ability “Why” and the other correspondent have to be able to do the financing of such a huge undertaking any quicker than at present. Why Mr Berryman is so anxious over the matter gets me, as the power will never reach his property, hence he need not be frightened of any rate. In conclusion, I again, ask “Why” to have the whole report reprinted and especially point out what particular item in the Power Board’s charges he is referring to. Is it a domestic minimum, milking machine minimum, water heating or commercial charges?—l am, etc., A MARLBOROUGH DEMOCRAT. Blenheim, 6th Nov.