What Headers Think Letters to the Editor

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22492, 29 January 1943, Page 2

What Headers Think Letters to the Editor

HON. VV. E. BARNARD AT FAIR LIE Sir,—Fifty people attended at the Parish Tlali, Fairlie, on Saturday evening to hear an address by the Hon. W. E. Barnard on the subject of "Closer Relations with Russia.” When Mr Barnard rose to speak he said he would give a few minutes’ talk on Russia and would then speak on the use of manpower in the New’ Zealand war effort.

The advertisement which appeared in “The Timaru Herald” clearly stated that Mr Barnard’s address would be on “Closer Relations with Russia.” and the people went there to hear him on that subject. They went home not only disappointed at his scant remarks about Russia, but also at the address on the war. The only impression left by Mr Barnard was that he was more concerned about politics than sympathy with our Russian allies and our own war effort.—l am, etc.. NOT IMPRESSED. REHABILITATION PLANS Sir, —Consensus of public opinion seems to be that Cr. Richards, in his championship of what constitutes correct municipal procedure, has not received the backing confidently expected. The Mayor accepted Mr Foote’s explanation. Had it not been accepted Mr Foote hinted at resignation. For some reason, not appreciated by the people of Timaru, it seems that Mr Foote, as Deputy-Mayor (this apparently justifies his rehabilitation scheme) must be maintained in office. Apart from the pros and cons so many of the semi-official ideas as published can be found in Mr Moohan’s original statement. Mr Hanan has his own proposals, but does not sense the urgency felt by Mr Foote. There must be still something original to put forward, and an early publication of the Mayor's scheme is anticipated.—l am, etc., R. W. ANDERSON. ELECTRICITY RATES Sir, —Having read with interest of the new electricity rates for Timaru, it seems to me a reduction is due to South Canterbury consumers in general. The present domestic rate for a five-roomed house works out at 6d a unit for the first eight units, 3d for the next 16 units, and Id a unit for the remainder, with a minimum charge of 5/- a month. One realises that the South Canterbury Electric Power Board has longer lines to service and maintain, but if the Timaru Borough Council, which buys in bulk from the Power Board, presumably at some profit to the Board, can retail to domestic consumers at 2d a unit, plus 2/- line charge a month, then surely the Power Board could retail at, say, Id a unit and 2/- line charge a month. This would still be 33 1-3 per cent, higher than t ? new Timaru rate, and should, I suggest, give ample coverage for the extra maintenance required.—l am, LEVELS COUNTY. CORRESPONDENTS ANSWERED BENEFIT: On inquiry at the Social Security Department, Timaru, it was stated that a male or female over the age of 21 years and single, who is in receipt of an invalid’s benefit, is entitled to receive other income up to £52 a year before the benefit is reduced. Any income in excess of £52 has the effect of reducing the benefit £ "Timaru