LOCAL BODY TRADING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20241, 29 April 1929, Page 12

LOCAL BODY TRADING.

WAITEMATA POWER BOARD.

CHAIRMAN DEFENDS POLICY.

Tho question of interference by the trading departments of power boards with tho business of private firms is dealt with by the chairman of tho Waitemata Elec-tric-Power Board, Mr. J. W. Hayden, in a statement regarding the board's financial position. Mr. Hayden says some boards have made serious inroads on the traders' business, and they may have very good reasons for it. Tho Waitemata Board was compelled to introduce the salo of ranges to extend its day load, but these have always been purchased frcm local firms, and have been sold at the same rates tho retailers sell at.

With this exception, tho board's showroom is available for the private trader to display any device approved of by the engineer, and which would bo of interest to the consumer. The board wishes to assist the privato trader, as it is fully aware that tho moro he sells in its district, tho more current will bo required. However, every installation that has been financed by the board has been installed by a private trader under contract, and in 110 case has tho work been done by the board. In answer to the criticism which' has been levelled at the board with regard to its building in Albert Street, Mr. Hayden says:—"Experience has shown that not only was the building required, but that we were too cautious, as it is getting imperative to erect another storey to enable the growth of business to be handled expeditiously. If the incomng board decides to erect another floor to the building, it will all be occupied by tho board staff, and will suffice until tho board's consumers reach 13,000."