POWER BOARD AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20556, 6 May 1930, Page 15

POWER BOARD AFFAIRS.

WORK IN WAITEMATA*

I-iELPING RURAL DISTRICTS

government grant sought.

q'lio Waitemata Electric-Power Board jnefc yesterday, the chairman, Mr. J. W. pay den, presiding. It was decided to forward tho following remit to tho next conference of electricpower boards and supply authorities:— "To extend electrical service to less 'densely populated agricultural districts, where otherwise such service would not be financially feasible, tho Electric-Power Hoards Act bo amended to provide for a Government grant-in-aid up to a maximum amount of 59 per cent, of the capital cost of lines and secondary equipment."

Tho extent and effect of the Government's assistance with respect to the distribution of power in rural districts, it was stated, would relato only to tho initial capital investment. Having mado its grant the Government participation would cease. Each power board would then not only pay its cost of operation, maintenance- and administration of those lines but also set up a depreciation reserve on the whole of the equipment and lines as well as paying tho interest and sinking funds on tho board's own capital contribution to the cost of those lines. Tho question whether the extension of power to country districts was to bo considered from' a financial or policy viewpoint was discussed. The cast and west committee had previously not recommended any immediato extension in Silverdale and adjacent areas and a protest had been received from residents of the Silverdale-Orowa-Whangaparaoa district.

Jlr. S- E. Kennings, chairman of the committee, reported on a deputation to board members at Silverdale. He moved that tho committee's plan of further canvassing the area and co-operating with a local committee should bo sanctioned. An adequate canvass of tho district was

acquired. Mr. W. B. Darlow said tho question jvas ono of expense, and ho asked tho engineer, Mr. l'\ J. H. Wilson, if the amount of guarantees required would bo reached. Mr. Wilson said tho sura would not bo reached.

Mr. J Mackio said he hoped the canyass would be carried out and that it cover the whole area.

Mr. A. E.*** Greenslade said tho board was not apathetic toward extensions to couutry districts, but its policy was that no losses should be incurred on the undertakings. The board, however, should canvass the area. The same difficulty had been experienced with Albany and other districts and the question was not one of revenue, but of policy. The proposal was agreed to, Mr. Dariow dissenting. WAJRERE BOARD'S AREA. ESTIMATE OF FINANCES. r TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE KUITI, Monday. The Wairere Power Board met at tho Tho election of a chairman for the ensuing term resulted in the present chairman, Mr. E. Tolmi, being .re-elected. A statement of estimated revenue and ■expenditure for tho year ending March 31 showed receipts and expenditure at £5450. The following"items were included:—Receipts: Current for domestic purposes, £2500; power, £1500; flat rate, £700; water heater charges, £6OO. Expenditure: Generating and maintenance, £300; Public Works Department and Post and 'Telegraph inspections, £500; meter reading, £100; travelling expenses and members' fees, £180; insurance, rents, rates, etc., £200; interest on debentures, £2600: salaries and wages, management and general, £300; depreciation fund, £700; •purplus and sinking fund, £260.