THE POWER BOARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 6

THE POWER BOARD

COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS

STAFF REDUCED BY WAR

The question of appointing collecting agencies in the suburban districts with a view to relieving the strain on the depleted central office staff is to be reopened by the Auckland Electric-Power Board. It was decided at yesterday's meeting to obtain a full report from the board's officers. # The general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, submitted a report showing that, in consequence of the calls of the fighting forces, the staff had been reduced. Application had been made to the Price Tribunal for permission to institute six-weekly meter readings instead of the usual monthlv caljs. It was also becoming increasingly difficult to carry out inspection work. While no official confirmation of the postponement of the Auckland ElectricPower Board elections, which are due to be held in May, has been received, it is anticipated that no election will be held. A statement to this effect was made at the board meeting yesterday by the chairman, Mr. S. J. Harbutt, when a letter was received from the Department of Internal Affairs stating the matter was still under consideration. Donations of £IOO sterling to the Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital, London, and Dr. Barnado's Homes, London, were authorised by the board. Requests for financial assistance in view of the war interfering with the normal flow of money to the funds and the damage caused by air raids were received from both institutions. The chairman, Mr. S. J. Harbutt, said members would note that the hospital sought a donation toward establishing a second New Zealand bed. He paid a tribute to the training given to Dominion nurses at this hospital.