LIGHTING RESTRICTIONS IN MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 16 May 1941, Page 2

LIGHTING RESTRICTIONS IN MOTUEKA

CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDATIONS MATTER REFERRED TO NEW COUNCIL A letter commenting on the position which had arisen from the Motueka Borough Council's decision to disconnect all street lighting in the borough for the period of the restrictions on lighting was received at a meeting of the council from the Nelson Lighting Controller. The Waimea Electric Power Board advised the council of the charges which were intended in connection with the maintenance of the equipment during the blackout. The Nelson Lighting Controller acknowledged the council’s letter regarding the disconnection of the street lights and advised that the question of street lighting at Motueka had been discussed with members of the local lighting committee and that they could not recommend that the lights in King Edward street and Fearon street and in King Edward street between Queen Victoria street and High street be disconnected. but did approve the disconnection of all other borough street lights. It was mentioned that the Dominion Lighting Controller approved of this recommendation. The writer stated that the operation of the reduced lighting scheme was under the control of the chairman of the Emergency Precautions Organisation. As the chairman of the Moteuka E.P. organisation had put into operation restrictions not approved by the Dominion Lighting controller he had exceeded the power delegated to him by the Dominion Lighting Controller. As explained to the chairman of the E.P. organisation in correspondence from the National Service Department and , Mr Kissel, the lighting restrictions re quired would be decided by the local lighting committee acting in conformity ! with the instructions isued by Mr J Kisisel. With regard to the Motueka 1 street lights, it was stated that the j council had decided, without reference I to the local lighting committee, to put into effect lighting restrictions not called for. The Emergency Regulations Act afforded protection against claims 1 for damages arising from actions taken in conformity with Emergency Regulations, but as the Lighting Restrictions 1 Emergency Regulations do not require the extinction of street lights, then in the event of expenditure and claims for damages arising, a case would be against the Motueka Borough Council for acting contrary to the writer’s instructions in this matter. However the Motueka Council would be fully protected by the Emergency Regulations | Act if they restored to service the lights mentioned above as the extinction of all other borough lights had been ap proved. The secretary, Waimea Electric Power Board, acknowledged the council's letter and advised that the board proposes to charge an amount of £lO2 16s per annum to cover interest, depreciation and maintenance on the capi tal outlay of the street lighting system during the period which the lights are It was also pointed out that if the lights are to be disconnected for some time it was proposed to dismantle certain fittings to prevent deterioration. This would involve an additional charge to the council when the fittings were replaced. It was decided on the motion of Crs Eginton and Whitwell that the foregoing letters be held over and dealt with at the next ordinary meeting of the council.