ELECTRICITY CONTRACT.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15294, 24 July 1923, Page 5

ELECTRICITY CONTRACT.

A DEPARTMENTAL PROPOSAL. CHHISTCHURCII SURPRISED. TEN YEARS' TERM OFFERED. By TeieKraDh.—Press Association. CHRISCHURCH, Tuesday. The City Councillors were taken by surprise last night when a letter from the Minister of Public Works was read, stating that if Hie Council was prepared to forego the remaining eighteen months' electricity contract which will expire on March 31, 1925, the Department would bo prepared to enter into a fresh contract for ten years at a discount of ten per cent off the standard rates.

The chairman of the Electricity Committee said the Department's offer was somewhere about 60 per cent increase on the present rates, and for the nexL tiigliteen months the cost would be £33,000 extra for electricity over and above the present, rale. The Mayor said it was rather surprising at this late stage, after Hie Council had investigated Hie Waimakariri scheme, that Hie Government should offer a leu years' contract in consideration of the Council foregoing its present contract. The report on the Wainiakariri scheme would be available in a few days. Cr. Howard, M.P.: We will have to fight on the lloor of flic House.

The Mayor: The lime has come when all city members must tight the bailie on the lloor of the House. The Council decided'to discuss the matter at a special meeting next Monday.