CHAIRMAN RESIGNS

Southland Times, Issue 19395, 8 November 1924, Page 8

CHAIRMAN RESIGNS

ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLIED FREE. AN INTERESTING INCIDENT. (Per United Press Association,) ASHBURTON, November 6. Mr F. W. Watt, Chairman of the Ashburton Electric Power Board, has resigned office and membership of the Board, Mr Watt stated that the immediate cause of his resignation related to the decision of the Board to supply him with free power service for his house during his period of Chairmanship. He pointed out that though the decision was rescinded on the matter being brought under the notice of the Board, and that the resolution only actually applied to one month’s current, which was paid by him 24 days later, the Audit Department held that disqualification under sub-section 14 (f) and 15 (g) of the Electric Power Boards Act, 1918, had taken effect, and consequently it was impossible for him to officiate further in the capacity of a member until such time as he can be, and is re-elected. Sub-section (f) of section 14, to which the Audit Office refers, provides that a person is incapable of being elected or appointed a member of a Power Board if he holds any office or place of profit under or in gift of the Board, and sub-section (g), of section 15 provides that the office of a member shall become vacant if he holds any office or place of profit under, or in gift of, the Board.