ELECTRIC POWER BOARDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18053, 29 September 1920, Page 5

ELECTRIC POWER BOARDS

AN AMENDING BILL,

(From Oob Owk Cobbespondekt.) WELLTNGTON, September 28. The - Electric Power Boards Amendment Bill, which was introduced to-day, consists very • largely of- machinery amendments to the Act of 1918. , Such points as the definition of the term ratepayer for tho purposes of the measure, and the formal description ol an hydro-etectric power board as a ioeal authority within the meaning of other "Acts, are covered. The powers .of levying rates invested in power boards are dealt with to a certain degree. The procedure is set down as being by resolution. When such a rate has been levied it is' for the board to determine whether it shall itself collect the money (for which purpose it may pay away not more than two and ahalf per cent, of the proceeds to cover expenses), or whether tho local authorities of the districts comprised within the beard's territory shall collect them. In the latter case, if the local authority fails to take the necessary steps to collect tho money the amount shall constitute a debt payable to tho board, which may take action to recover the money ,by tho principal Act When the board decided to construct or purchase works for the generation of power it, was necessary to supply to the Public Works Department full details of the scheme it was intended to launch before the empowering Grder-in-Council was issued. These provisos are repealed, and it is stated that no such work shall be commenced " except with the authority of tho Governor-General-in-Council, and pursuant to such conditions as may be prescribed in that behalf by ,the Governor-General-in-Council." An Crder-in-Council may also authorise the purchase by a powiar board of any electric works within its district, owned by a local authority. Power to make by-laws in the same way as any other local authority, for the use and management of its works, for the protection of people from injury, and for the protection of its property, is to be given to the boards. The maximum penalty for breaches is made a fine of £50 with a further £5 per day for continuing broaches. Finally the cost of the installation of electric equipment, in public or private buildings, or tho rent payable for tho use, is made a charge upon the land for rating purposes.