POWER BOARD REPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 110, 12 May 1933, Page 4

POWER BOARD REPORT

‘TESTIMONIAL OF EFFICIENCY’ WORK OF THE LATE MR. P. H. SMITH SPLENDID FOUNDATIONS LAID “The chairman’s annual report is a testimonial of efficiency to the staff and to all those who nave taken part in directing the policy which has made the statement possible,” said Mr. Hope Gibbons yesterday at the annual meeting of the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric-power Board, when moving the adoption of the annual report. “It is a tribute to the ability of our late managing-secretary, Mr. P. H. Smith, for having laid the foundations so well. I should also like to compliment the chairman, Mr. Purnell, the executive and their staff on the work they have done. “I wish to emphasise a few figures in order to stress the good work that has been done. The total cost of loans raised by the board since its inception has been £573,549, this liability being provided by reduction payments, depreciation and sinking funds. These amount to £146,200, or about 26 per cent., which leaves a balance of £416, 000. “The charges for the 'current’ over all the district are lower than those in all other districts except the four centres. At the same time, our powei rate for an average factory is lower than a similar charge made in two of the cities’ power boards. Some of our lighting fees are also less. The financial success of the board and the ability to make such a low rate of charges was made possible when the city and country joined forces, and it is a Valuable lesson in co-operation.” Mr. Gibbons also pointed out tl the board’s factory rate, which was up to 3600 units a month, was £l7. while the rate charged by two other city power boards was £2O 16s 6d and £2l 17s 6d respectively. For lighting the Wanganui charge for 1000 units a month was £l3 19s ••!, while in one of the four centres the charge was £l4 3s 2d. Mr. W. Morrison associated hinis with the remarks of Mr. Gibbons. He said that when the board started it was thought by the city that it would have to carry the country. That idea had gradually died out and it was seen to-day that the town and coun try, working in conjunction, mean* that the town could get a cheaper rate than if it worked by itself. This was so because the fanner used the power when the man in the town did not, and vice versa. “I understand that this board, taking into consideration all sources of supply, is the cheapest in New Zealand, ff he continued. “No doubt the late Mr. Smith’s work in laying th' foundations is greatlv responsible for the good position to-day.” Mr. W. J. Rogers comnlimcntod the chairman on the report, which, he said, ▼as very businesslike. It was also a credit to the secretary. Mr. Ammundsen-