POWER BOARD CONSUMERS

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11071, 19 February 1929, Page 5

POWER BOARD CONSUMERS

AN UNUSUAL CASE. A rather novel departure was made by the Power Board on Friday , says the Eketahuna Express, in connection with an erstwhile consumer of electricity in the Pahiatua district. For some reason or other this consumer was cut off. It was reported that he was willing to come on again but absolutely refused to pay a fixed charge oi Is, for reinstalling the meter. A member suggested (ignoring the rules and regulations) that the connection should be made free of charge, but attention was drawn to the rules governing the case. The board then with all solemnity, on a suggestion, proceeded to put a shilling in per member to cover the cost, so that the regulations would be observed. The action strikes us as being distinctly foolish : not one that would he expected of keen business men; and a precedent which may cause "no eud of complications. Prospective consumers will certainly gain the idea that if they hold out they will gef any terms from the hoard anil members will find it extremely difficult- to get away from that. The cardinal principle of the board should be that all are treated alike, without fear or favour. It will be Impossible to allow differential treatment and it will he equally impossible to continue the precedent It seems that the board's zeal to sell current is obscuring the clearness of its outlook. There will have to he a sharp departure from this attitude or trouble will surely result.