Move To Set Up Power Board In The Waimarino

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 October 1948, Page 2

Move To Set Up Power Board In The Waimarino

RAETIHI, Last Night (OC).—Efforts to further electrical reticulation for the Raetihi and Ohakune districts was advanced a further stage by the passing of the following resolutions at the monthly meeting of the Raetihi Borough Council:—

"That this council hereby sets up a pre.iminary power board committee for the purpose of considering whether a power board in the district is necessary, and this committee is instructed to obtain all the necessary information relevant to the formation of a power board.’’ "That the federated Farmers, Ohakune Borough Council and Waimarino County Council be requested to appoint three representatives each to sit on the said committee."

"That if, then, in the opinion of this council it is considered that a power board is desirable and required, then this council agrees to join the proposed area.” “That Mr. J. G. Lancaster, consulting engineer, be invited to attend the initial meeting of this committee." "That the engineers and clerks of the local bodies be invited to attend, the meeting to he held at an early date.”

For upwards of two years the farmers have approached the Raetihi Council and the Ohakune Borough Council —both of which are supply authorities—for reticulation of the outlying areas, but because of financial reasons neither of the bodies was able to meet the farmers’ requests. In an endeavour to cope with the situation, however, the councils called a meeting at Raetihi on September 2. at which ’they sought the support of the district peop e in a proposed approach to the Government for financial assistance to undertake the work of reticulation. The meeting was attended, unofficially, by members of the Waimarino County Council and a large number from the Federated Farmers. Although there was considerate suport for the council’s plan, the scheme was later officially rejected by both organisations, it being claimed that the requirements of the district could be met only through the medium of a power board, Since that time the agitation for a power board has been continuous, but no steps have been taken by those concerned to achieve such an end.

These are the circumstances which have led to the setting up of this special committee by the Raetihi Borough Council. It is unlikely, If a power board is established in the area, that the Raetihi Council would be competed to come in; or perhaps the formation of a board would not be considered if Raetihi decided to remain out. This would result in a state of stagnation. With the council now taking the initiative and setting up a committee to explore the needs and possibilities of the farmers and district affected, the way seems clear to the sett ement of the issue to the satisfaction of all.