POWER IN BACKBLOCKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22608, 22 December 1936, Page 12

POWER IN BACKBLOCKS

EFFORTS BY MINISTER WAITEMATA DISCUSSION A suggestion that llto Waiteniata Electric-Power Bot-rd should write to the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, expressing support for his efforts to have reticulation carried out in backblock areas, where the full guarantees as required hv power boards were unobtainable, was not approved by the board yesterday. When a motion to this effect was moved by Mr. G. Trcvithick, it was defeated by an amendment that the question bo deferred until after the end of the financial year, March 31. Mr. Trcvithick said the time for supplying outlying dairy areas with electric light and power had arrived. Reticulation of these areas could not be done years ago, but now the financial stability of boards was not in question and the work could bo done out of profits.

Mr. H. Day supported Mr. Trevithick.

Mr. W. B. Darlow said the question needed consideration. If the Waiteniata Board made extensions to non-payable areas it would be at the expense of the boroughs. The board had done its duty in every respect. Reticulation of all areas, irrespective of whether they would pay or not, would mean that there would be no chance of lowering the rates in the densely-peopled areas. The rates might, in fact, have to be raised.

Other speakers supported Mr. Darlow, and Mr. W. A. Bishop's amendment that the matter be deferred was carried.