ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 March 1935, Page 6

ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. PROPOSED LINE EXTENSIONS. (Special to “Daily Times.”) The monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Power Board was continued yesterday 'afternoon after the “Daily Times” went to press. Arising out of his report the secre-tary-manager (Mr G. Brown) explained that although no ranges had been shown, several had been sold and would be' installed this month. Storm damage had been estimated to cost some £3OOO and this figure would be very close to the actual cost. It was stated that the lines were in better condition than they had been for some years. The proposed extension of the line at Bangituinau was discussed and as a meeting of the settlers concerned was arranged for that night the matter was held over till the next meeting of the board, so that a definite indication of what the settlers were prepared to do might be placed before the board. Regarding the extension of line to Mr P. Shaw’s property it was decided to carry, on, provided he contributed £55 towards the cost of the line, paid full cost of the service connection and guaranteed to purchase electricity to the value of £24 per annum for 10 years.

The question of reducing the minimum charge on stovettes from 10s to 6s per month was discussed and it was decided to leave this matter over till the annual meeting.

Mr Buick brought up the matter of a complaint by Mr Evans, Upper Plain, dealing with the manner in which certain work was carried out on his property. Mr Brown stated that the matter was being carefully investigated and would be reported upon at the next meeting.

In response to Mr Grace’s request at the last meeting as to his voting powers the following opinion was given: “A board member who is also an electrical contractor would be prevented by Section 31 of the Electric Power Board’s Act, 1925, from voting upon or discussing any matter before the board dealing with the question as to whether or not the board should cease or continue the operation of the installation and retail departments and any question dealing with the fixing of prices for work and material sold. He could vote on general policy matters but not on matters in connection with which he had directly or indirectly any pecuniary interest.”