ELECTRIC POWER SCHEME

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1929, Page 8

ELECTRIC POWER SCHEME

RATEPAYERS TAKE ACTION FORMATION OF ASSOCIATION. MORE INFORMATION SOUGHT. A ratepayers’ association was formed in Hawera last night, with only three dissentients, with the object of learning the position in connection with the South Taranaki Power Board’s loan proposals of £290,000 to be put to the vote in about eight weeks’ time. The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Pacey), a member of the board, presided over'an attendance of about 50 ratepayers and others. He reserved and used the right “not to be gagged.” Mr. L. A. Taylor, one of the ten convenors, made a submission-to the meeting for it to decide whether or not a ratepayers’ association was advisable in the interests of the district. The vote signified that there was a need in the opinion of those present. Antagonism, either to the board or the company, •was denied.

The true portent of Mr. Taylor’s address was misunderstood during the first 90 minutes of the discussion, as the chairman admitted. There were many speakers for Hie board, against the board in favour of the company carrying on without the risk of a rate, and many who were neutral, expressing open and inquiring minds. Four members of the board were there as well as the engineer, Mr. T. R. Overton, who gave a short address at 10.30 p.m. upon. electrical policy and power board accr vities.

The .resolution forming the association was carried at 10.45 and the meeting concluded at 11.20. Those wishing to become members were asked to remain, but only a few did so. Many excused themselves on account of the lateness of the hour.

Mr. E. Dixon was elected chairman of the committee, which comprises the following, with power to add;—Messrs A. K. Fyson, W. G. Simpson, S. Tonks, H. Wills, J. Duffill, A. Blair, W. A. Spragg, C. G. Trotter, W. A. Hewitt (treasurer), and L. A. Taylor (secretary).

Experts able to give information indiscriminately for or against either side are to be invited to attend a future meeting in a public hall at an early date.

BOARD’S CASE MADE. “We want to know!” said Mr. Taylor. A deputation of citizens had ■waited upon Mr. R. W. Lamb and the result was the present meeting. The board’s case had been made, and the ratepayers soon would be asked to vote on a £200,000 loan proposal. They must speak then or forever hold their peace. The vital question that night was, “Is the case of the board so perfect that there is no other case?”

The broad object of the power board legislation was to enable districts to group together to borrow. The policy of the Government was to develop power at Arapuni, Waikaremoana and deliver to supply authorities—boards or companies. The Government was a wholesaler. In the South Taranaki district there was a supply authority already in existence.

The onus, Mr. Taylor emphatically declared, -was upon the board to show that a change-over was likely to be beneficial, and that -the change ought to be made. Could the case for the board be criticised? The company was organised and had behind it 25 years of experience. It had already opened negotiations for securing power from the Government, and the company was ready now to reticulate the Waimate West area. The capital —ready money —was ready for allocation to that work. Details were unnecessary at that stage. The cost was estimated to be £30,000 to re-wire.

No competition would result if the company carried on, Mr. Taylor telt sale in saying. The board had yet to go io the department to get its license to distribute any supply. The “backyard” scheme of the board, outlined at the arbitration tribunal, Mr. Taylor characterised as “a farce, a bogey—a mere red herring drawn across the scent.”

Why was the board formed at all? asked Mr. Taylor. The answer haa been heard that it had been ‘‘to keep us out of the Tariki area.” For that ratepayers would be extremely thankful. “Has the board fulfilled its function?” the speaker queried. The offer of £72,000 plus stocks, made by the board, had been made on advice, said Mr. Taylor. The counter- i offer of £140,000, plus stocks, had followed. Mr. Bone had called that ridiculous. The board could not make the-, concern pay at that price,-Mr. Bone had said. On what grounds had that been said ?