POWER FOR BACKBLOCKS

Putaruru Press, 9 March 1933, Page 5

POWER FOR BACKBLOCKS

IN THAMES VALLEY. Efforts to Extend the Lines. For> several years the Thames Valley Power Board has been urging the Government to subsidise the cost of extending electric power lines into sparsely settled districts so that backblocks settlers may enjoy the advantages of electricity. Under existing conditions the revenue from such districts would not cover the annual interest charges on constructing the power lines. Districts which he Power Board would consider reticulating if a subsidy on line construction were obtained include the Lichfield-Tokoroa district beyond Putaruru and the Coromandel county north of Thames. Several canvasses for consumers in these districts have shown that the revenue would not be sufficient to make the proposed lines payable ventures.

Recently the Power Board wrote to Mr. J. S. Jessup, vice-chairman of the Unemployment Board, asking him if he could meet the board and give the board an opportunity of putting a proposition before him regarding giving farmers in isolated districts the benefits of electricity. The board had in view a subsidy from the Unemployment Board that would enable men now out of work to be engaged on erecting lines and installing electrical equipment. This work would have the advantage of being directly reproductive and of benefit to backblocks settlers.

“ At the present time,” states the board’s letter to Mr. Jessup, “ owing to the distance that some farmers are from the board’s mains, the amount of the guarantees required render supply to these areas an impossibility. The reticulation costs possibly could be subsidised by the Unemployment Board. If you could see your way clear to fall in with our suggestion it would be of great service to these settlers.” Mr. Jessup’s Rlsply. Mr. Jessup has replied to the Power Board stating that he would not be in the Auckland district tor some time. If the Power Board would put the position in writing the Unemployment Board would give it consideration. Further Request for Interview. This reply did not satisfy members. The chairman (Mr. J. Price), who represents the towns of Matamita and Putaruru, reminded members that some time ago the Power Board had supplied particulars of its scheme to the Unemployment Board, and nothing had resulted. If the board again puts its proposals in black and white nothing might happen. He thought that more good would result from a personal interview. It was decided to reply that the Power Board would leave the matter in abeyance until Mr. Jessup is able to visit the district.