CHEAPER ELECTRICITY RATES

Southland Times, Issue 24300, 4 December 1940, Page 6

CHEAPER ELECTRICITY RATES

SUGGESTION TO CITY COUNCIL

A request for the nationalization of electricity supplies to secure cheaper rates was contained in a letter received by the City Council last night from the Invercargill branch of the New Zealand Labour Party. The letter read as follows:—“At our last monthly meeting the following resolutions were carried and it was decided to forward them on to you for the council’s consideration: — (1) That a recommendation be forwarded to the City Council urging nationalization of electricity supplies with a view to obtaining electricity at a reduced rate. (2) That suburban and country residents be released from the £4 minimum annual guarantee.” Cr R. T. Parsons moved that the letter be referred to the Trading Committee for favourable consideration. He said the committee should consider how it could reduce the charges for electricity.

It seemed inequitable that ratepayers in one area should pay higher rates for electricity and be subject to a higher guarantee, said Cr A. W. Jones. If the council could secure some relief for the suburban ratepayers it should do so.

The letter was referred to the Trading Committee.