THE WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21578, 25 February 1932, Page 12

THE WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —The recent meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board afforded an opportunity to North Otago. electors of judging the value of returning representatives to that body who have interests to serve beyond those of the board. Here we find Mr Robert Milligan, one of the first members of. the board, cutting off power from bis mill and reverting to an antiquated and expensive suction gas plant. Why? Because he did not get all his own way! He seemingly got his own way in the early history of the board when he was chairman, but times have changed. The one honourable course now open for Mr Milligan is to tender his resignation. He has refused Christchurch rates under Christchurch conditions, and, in fact, has done everything in his power to discredit the chairman and engineer. I say, without fear of contradiction, that many boards would be glad of the opportunity of securing the services of so able an engineer as Mr I. Dalmer, the present chief of staff of the Waitaki Board. What would Southland ratepayers give to see their board in the same happy position as the Waitaki Electric Power Board? On the score of power charges North Otago residents may indeed congratulate themselves. _ They have enough difficulties to-day without rating for electrical purposes. What with depression, drought, and calls on shares, I can tell you many of us are doing a bit of hard thinking.. If North Otago residents would really tackle those local concerns where gross mismanagement is so glaringly apparent and oust some of the directors and executive officers who have proved their incompetericy then they would be doing something worth while, but in the name of economy and fair play they should not support Mr Milligan in his attacks upon a thoroughly qualified and competent engineer who has made an undoubted success of the department under his control. Mr Milligan s vituperations are unworthy of a man who occupies public office. —I am, etc.. Satisfied Consumer. Oamaru, February 22.