HIGH POWER CHARGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22461, 3 July 1936, Page 12

HIGH POWER CHARGES

COMPLAINT AT ROTORUA

EFFORT TO SECURE REDUCTION

[by telegraph—OWN correspondent] KOTORUA, Thursday

The charge for electricity supplied by the Tourist Department in Rotorua came in for a considerable amount of criticism at the meeting of the Borough Council last evening, and it was decided that at the earliest opportunity representations should again be made to the Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts in an effort to gain somo reduction.

Mr. E. T. Johnson, who introduced the question, said the charges for electricity in Rotorua were altogether too high when compared with those of Auckland and Wellington. If the council could not itself gain control of the service he felt sure that lower rates would be secured if the supply was handed over to a power board. Ho thought the council should not let the matter rest even although representations had previously boon made to the Minister and the department. It should also raise the question of the 25 per cent demand charge, which was altogether too high and resulted in great hardship when consumers were unable to pay accounts on the due date.

The Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, said he (lid not think much would be gained until the present negotiations for the taking over of the sewerage and water services by the council from the department were completed, as the Treasury would not consent to reduced electricity charges while it had to bear losses on these other two services.

It was agreed to make representations to the Minister.