RATEPAYERS’ ENQUIRIES

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1929, Page 6

RATEPAYERS’ ENQUIRIES

POWER IN SOUTH TARANAKI

£200,000 LOAN SCHEME DEBATED. PROBLEM OF WAIMATE AREA. Many shades of opinion were apparent at the meeting of ratepayers convened in Hawera on Thursday night to consider the South . Taranaki Power Board’s proposals to acquire the Hawera Electric Company’s undertaking. A ratepayers’ association was formed. Incurring a loan of £200,000 without securing explanations from those able to make them was an unheard of proposition to those who called themselves business men, suggested Mr. L. A. Taylor. . J . A contribution to a Christchurch newspaper over the nom-de-plume of ••Six Per Cent.” was read by Mr. Taylor. The correspondent quoted figures embracing the cost of electrical enteiprise in the Dominion, and drew attention to the fact that a minority of ratepayers had authorised loan proposals. “Six Per Cent.” deprecated the existing order of things and the apathy, of ratepayers which effected the heavy burdens on the country.. The number voting for the schemes, he stated to .be much less than the total number with franchise.

CRITICISM OF PROPOSAL.

Criticism of the present loan scheme camo from Mr. E. K. Cameron, who re* gretted that all losses of power boards in New Zealand had to be borne by the ratepayers and not by the general body o f taxpayers. Again, there were losses „f debenture and income taxes to the national revenue in consequence of private concerns being ousted. Other concerns were being interfered with because they had to compete with boards free from taxation. Where control was in the hands of one body of ratepayers Mr. Cameron would support a proposal, [f the present scheme was confined to Hawera borough under the control of one body of ratepayers he would favour it. As it was Hawera ratepayers had to nay for the reticulation of the outer area. Consumers should pay for their share and the ratepayers should not be inflicted with the possibility of any general rate. How were the Hawera consumers going to get cheaper or even the same priced power —with the outer field to reticulate? asked Mr. Cameron. He would be satisfied with the same charges as the company charged. They compared with Wellington’s and the service had been excellent in Hawera. It had been the unlimited increase in public borrowing and the increase in taxation generally that had put the late Government out of power. (Applause.)

THE BOARD’S EX-CHAIRMAN.

It was a ■great pity, said the chairman, Mr. E. A. Pacey, there were not a great many more men like . Mr. L. A. °Bone, who had done gigantic work as chairman of the Power Board. There were miles of information concerning the board’s proposals, and he could not see what there was that had. not been explained. It was up to those in opposition to refute the board’s statements, and not for the board to prove them. (Cries of “Oh, no!”) One startling thing, the chairman pursued, was that the board, of which he was a member, had advertised that application was being made to the Local Government Loans Board and that objections were required to be made at a certain date. Strange to relate there had been no objection. There had been an under-current. Information was wanted at what seemed to Mr. Pacey to be a very late hour. It was not likely that the board was going to put the proposal to ratepayers without the sanction of the Loans Board. If the poll went out that would not be the end of it. They had another five years. “ANOTHER STRANGE THING.” Another strange thing, Mr. Paeey considered, was that five of the convenors of the meeting had signed the original petition for the formation of the board. There was nothing inconsistent there; yet they had known the board was being formed. The board had a certain amount of fundamental commonsense. If Mr. Pacey told those present everything, the place would be too hot to hold him. (Laughter.) Mr. Taylor: It is a very cold night. (Laughter.) “We can go into areas that the company cannot,” continued Mr. Pacey. Mr. Taylor: The company can get a license. If they could, said Mr. Pacey. He could not understand anyone taking the £07,000 offer -of the board seriously. If the speaker offered a car for sale at £3OO he would be offered £l5O for it. He admitted, in reply to Mr. Taylor, that the board did not expect to buy the company at £60,000 odd. The board did not look upon the award as a bargain. It was not foolish enough for that. Mr. Dixon: Will water-heaters pay? They would just about square themselves, said Mr. Pacey. Indirectly they would lead to more business. STAFF INCREASES LIKELY. The increase in staff spoken about was said Mr. Pacey. It could not be expected to get more labour without more labourers. He had no fault to find with the company. Yet he hoped for a reduction of charges. He would not risk a comment from Mr. Taylor to the effect that he was making a definite assertion, but he would say ho hoped the board could carry on without a rate.

Mr. Taylor: You could put the charges up, of course! If the ratepayers turned the loan down they would' have to foot the bill, said Mr. Pacey. That was not said as a threat, but stated as a fact.

Regret was expressed by Mr.. Dixon that the meeting had not been called

before Mr. Bone had left Hawera. They had not waited for him to go, but it was merely apathy. He had been endeavouring to raise interest for some time. He” was surprised at the apathy. The thanks of ratepayers were due to the convenors.

THE LOAN AND FARMERS’ FINANCE

Mr. Taylor had asked questions which should be answered. If the board was anxious to carry the loan it must answer questions and give the fullest information. He disagreed with Mr. Pacey’s opinion that it wao for opponents to refute the statements made. Mr. Dixon said he owned two shares in the company. He had got them by mistake. He wished he held 1000 shares. Whatever was done by the ratepayers should be in the best interests of the people. (Applause.) The loan would be a very serious thing for the farmers in their finances, Dixon. A rate would be struck as security for the £200,000. That would mean that if farmers wanted to raise loans the possibility of the rate being collected would be likely to affect the transactions.

Me. Pacey: Yes, that ia a fact. Had the company ever been asked by the board or the ratepayers to reduce its charges? asked Mr. Dixon. It was a mistake, he thought, buying out the company now. If the board waited for two or even five years and licensed the company to carry on, the board would then make a better bargain than it could to-day, he considered.

LICENSE OF COMPANY URGED.

If the board licensed the company it would be beneficial to all the people. What was to stop the board licensing the company on condition that certain members of the board should meet and confer with the company and decide the policy. He was satisfied the company was a payable concern. Private concerns ran businesses more economically than a power board, said Mr. Dixon. If there was the slightest danger of a rate, let the company carry on under license for a few years. Mr. Pacey invited questions to be put to Mr. T. R. Overton, the board’s engineer, who was present in case any questions might be asked. Mr. Taylor said the meeting was not called for that purpose and he objected to that course at that stage. Mr. E. Long said he did not know from whom the ratepayers were going to get the information if Mr. Taylor objected to the only expert in the room. Why did wot the convenors bring an expert? How were the ratepayers going to get information? Mr. Cameron had surprised him by his remarks, eaid Mr. Long. Mr. Cameron wanted people to stay on the land, yet he wanted the cream of the load in the town and raised a town against country aspect. (Laughter.)

WHOSE ONUS OF PROOF?

The onus was not on the board, but it was on the opposition to refute any statements, said the chairman in replying to Mr. Dixon. Before the poll public addresses would be given by the board and pamphlets distributed in the district giving further information. The country was not getting a fair deal, alleged Mr. J.,F. Stevenson. The company had not reticulated Waimato West because it had not the power. The Government supply was the most economical method of obtaining power. Waimato West, declared Mr. Stevenson, had ratepayers who had. linked np with neighbouring schemes. The ratepayers were not' going wait forever without power. If the ratepayers of the Hawera district were wise they would get expert knowledge. “There it is free and gratis,’ 1 said Mr, Stevenson, indicating Mr. Overton. The board had brought Mr. Overton down and detained him in Hawera just to give the meeting the opportunity of securing information, said Mr. E. A. Washer* a board member. That showed bona fides and that the board, was free and open. Now Mr. Overton was not allowed to speak.

WAS BOARD CONSISTENT?

A ratepayers’ association need not necessarily be opposed to any .of the schemes, declared Mr. W. G. Simpson, one of tne convenors. He was pleased to see so many board members present. The convenors had bee-n charged with not having information. That was not the object; the object was to f&rm a committee. He believed the board would do what it claimed to do, but the statements indicating that just because the board was publicly owned it was guaranteed to succeed were not necessarily correct. The board had been somewhat lacking, Mr. Simpson believed, in not giving the public information. The ratepayers wanted to help the board. Mr. Taylor had put up his case; he had put a lot of work into it and made a good job It had been commonly stated that when the offer of the company was made the board said it was ridiculous. The board had said it could not make the concern pay at the price. Now.it said that at the arbitration price the concern was a gold mine. Mr. Stevenson; Well, you won’t have it. (Meaning expert information). “We could not have it to-night,” replied Mr. Simpson. “We are here to get public opinion focussed on it and get at the facte.” (Applause.)

MR. PACEY’S MISAPPREHENSION.

“I have been here under a misapprehension,” said Mr. Pacey. “The object is to form a ratepayers’ association. Had I known that I would have dealt with that at the commencement.” It was necessary to have the address, retorted Mr. Simpson, to see if there was a need for a ratepayers’ association. They could not say “yes” or “no” without discussion.

Mr. W. A. Spragg, a convenor, moved (hat an association be formed, and Mr. J. B. Laurenson seconded. The chairman said he had no intention of joining. The last one had cost too much money. Mr. Taylor: Don’t damn the affair, Mr. Chairman. (Laughter.) Mr. Overton was ruled out of -order when ho ros© to speak. ”

Mr, Taylor suggested, 'on the resoltt-

lion being carried with only two or three dissentients, that the best solution was for those who wished to join to remain. Messrs. E. A. Washer and E. Long at once rose to leave the room, to the accompaniment of requests not to take the wrong impression from Mr, Taylor’s suggestion, which Mr. Pacey upheld as being the correct procedure, Mr. Long explained that he was obliged to leave as the hour was late. Air. Overton was given permission to speak. He said he felt nervous after hearing the speakers. If the board could give information, or assist the association it would be glad to do so, he said. They thought it was a sound proposition. “For the association or the board? asked Mr. W. A. Hewitt. (Laughter.)

NATIONAL POLICY ONE PRICE?

They wanted cheaper electricity, said Mr. Overton. Mr. G. W. Gane: "Was not it the national policy to provide for one head and to sell electricity at one price? Mr. Overton said he would not like to say. Could the meeting tell him of one hydro-electric scheme that had not had its early troubles? Mr. Taylor: Why should we have them ? . Mr. Overton: You have had yours.

Mr. ' Taylor; Why should we have them now? Mr. Overton expressed hopes for the future of electricity and power boards. Mr. G. W. Gane passed on information he had gained after asking of Mr. P. W. Lamb, Mr. Bone and Mr. J. Houston. Mr. Lamb had stated definitely, Mr. Gane asserted, that he (Mr. Lamb) could make the company pay at £125,682. Mr. Lamb had, however, allowed five years to do what Mn Bone said he could do in three years! The company had not the statutory power to go into outlying areas. Mr. Duffill rose to a point of order. He averred that the association was not antagonistic. Mr. Stevenson (facetiously): I rise to a point of order. I don’t known whether I am in favour of the board or not. It is fifty-fifty. The main discussion then ended at 11.10 p.m. It was the duty of the association as citizens to watch public expenditure, said Mr. W. A. Hewitt. There was too much borrowing. (Hear! hear!) The committee business was then dealt with as described in the Daily News yesterday.

HAWERA OPERA HOUSE.

COMMENCING MATINEE TO-DAY

The gay cafes of Budapest, and the night life of that city in the days after the war, provide a colourful background to the highly dramatic story, "The Whip Woman,” a First National picture, which opens with a matinee at the Opera House, Hawera, to-day. Estelle Taylor is cast in the title role of this sensational story, with Antonio Moreno playing opposite her. In this novel setting is unfolded a story that fairly takes one’s breath, and which holds interest from start to finish. It deals with a beautiful peasant girl, who is adored by men, but who repulses them with blows from the whip which she always carries. Hating all men, she finally falls in love with a dissolute nobleman, and then begins a series of adventures which culminate in a thrilling climax, and an entirely unexpected ending. “The Whip Woman” is a novel story, entirely off the beaten path of ordinary pictures, and offers a fine chance for the splendid dramatic work of Miss Taylor and Moreno, who are ideally cast in the leading roles, “The Whip Woman” has been one of the most successful pictures of the year, and again demonstrates that Estelle Taylor is one of the finest dramatic actresses on the screen The serial, “Wolves of the North,” will also be screened at the matinee. The box plan for this evening is at Miss Blake’s sweet shop.

OTAKEHO NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) There was a record crowd last week for the final euchre party of the series. The prizes were won by Mrs. Mingims and Mr. Tasker, and the points prizes by Miss A. White and Mr. A. Cate. A special euchre party is to be held on Tuesday next’, the proceeds being in aid of the” earthquake victims. There will be good prizes, and it is proposed to run a free ’bus from Manaia. Otakeho hockey team beat Hawera A on "Wednesday by 3 goals to 2. They have yet to play with Hawera B, and if they win will be equal with Mangatoki in the competition. Mr. J. Duggan, Normanby, recently spent a few days with Mr. E. Duggan, Dingle Road. Mr. E. R. Putt is about again after his recent illness.

Mrs. Hodson, New Plymouth, is the guest of Mrs. J. J. Gray. Miss Z.-. Duggan is at present with Mr. and Mrs. M. Duggan, byMiss D. Phillips, Wanganui, was recently the guest of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Gray, Auroa Road. Miss Betty Putt has returned from a visit to Auckland.

Miss M. Burke has been ill for a few days. Mrs. L. S. Mackie has returned from a visit to Waverley. Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Le Fleming have returned from their recent motor tour. Mr. G. V. Thorne lias left the district and is now residing at Ararata. Mr. and Mrs. A. F. . Ross have returned from a short holiday. Mr. and Mrs. W. Verry, who have been on a visit to Palmerston North, have returned home. #

HUBERT CARTER'S CONCERT.

The programme to bo presented by Hubert Carter, the favourite tenor, in St. Joseph’s Hall, Hawera, next Thursday, July 18, promises to be of outstanding interest. Mr. Carter, who is well known in the Taranaki district, is including numbers that have found favour wherever ho has appeared, many of them favourites and some new. He has built a programme calculated to please all. Assisting Mr. Carter are such favourite artists as Miss Mary Barnes, Messrs. Harold Ackroyd, Douglas MacQuin and Hugh Lambic.' The important pianoforte accompanying is in the capable hands of Mrs. Doris MacQuin. Popular prices are being cjiargcd, and booking arrangements are advertised.