MOKOIA POWER SUPPLY

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1930, Page 6

MOKOIA POWER SUPPLY

SETTLERS DESIRE SECESSION. MINISTER OPPOSES IDEA. Despite a strong expression of opposition to the proposal by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, a meeting of Mokoia settlers on Wednesday evening decided by an overwhelming majority to join with the Otoia settlers in their petition for the area to be included in the WanganuiRangitikei Power* Board’s area, not the South Taranaki area. When representatives of the South Taranaki Power Board attended the Mokoia meeting the chairman of the board, Mr. J. B. Murdoch, took the opportunity to read the following letter from the Minister: —“I have further considered the question of the secession of tho Patea district from the outer area of your power district, and its joining the Wa-nganui-Rangitikei district. I am definitely of opinion' that this should not be permitted, and see no reason why you should not now proceed with the preparation and circulation of the necessary petition to enable the area to join up with your district.” Mr. Murdoch added that it was now the duty of the board to canvass the district to ascertain the reticulation requirements. Successive Ministers had definitely opposed the secession of the area from South Taranaki. The South Taranaki board was unable to reticulate the area without a loan, as it had only been functioning a short time. A profit had been made after five and a half months, but as the board had no large reserves yet, and as the bulk supply was not yet available, it had been deemed advisable to hold over a reduction in rates. In respect of the loan a rate would have to be struck, but would not be levied. The settlers in the outer area had no responsibility as far as previous loans were concerned.

Mr. D. S. Richardson remarked that it was not fair if the people of the district had no say in the matter. In reply to a question, Mr. Murdoch stated that the Wanganui-Rangitikei board had reduced its charges from 7d. to sd. when the Government supply became available. A reduction in the South Taranaki rate, though to what extent he could not say, would be made when they had the bulk supply. Ho gave a definite assurance that the Government, had commenced a line id Hawera. The Mokoia area would, of course, have representation on the board. ■ . Mr. B. C. Lysaght suggested petition to the Minister. Mr. Murdoch expressed the opinion that the Otoia settlers, if they found they could not get their power from anywhere else, might change their minds about secession from South Taranaki. The Power Board’s representatives then left the meeting, which decided to co-operate with the Otoia petitioners, only two dissentient votes being cast when the motion was put. MID-WEEK RUGBY. OHANGAI BEATS FRASER ROAD. There was a very close 'game in the mid-week Rugby competition on Wednesday, when Ohangai, playing at home, beat Fraser Road by 8 points to 7. The visitors dominated the first spell but their scoring was confined to two kicks, a penalty by Ross and a field goal by Toro. After the interval Ohangai made strenuous efforts, and not long after Lee had kicked a penalty goal he put the home team ahead by scoring under the posts and converting. There was no further scoripg.