HOW, MANY MEMBERS?

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17611, 16 January 1929, Page 7

HOW, MANY MEMBERS?

POWER BOARD’S PROBLEM. HUNTLY IS DISSATISFIED. SUITABLE BASIS FIXED. '-. i ' The knotty problem of devising a more equitable representation for the big area under its control was again the ,subject of a discussion at to-day’s meeting of the Central Electric Power Board. Mr T. H. Hinton, chairman, in timated that it would be desirable to have the discussion taken in committee, but it was a matter for the board members to decide. • It was resolved not to go into committee. It will be recalled that the board recently prepared a basis of representation, which has been submitted to the local authorities in whose districts the board operates. The only objection has come from the Huntly Town Board, which desires a member for itself. Mr W. Boyd moved that the representation of the board be constituted as follows: Waipa County, 3 members; Waikato County, 4; Raglan County, 1; Ngaruawahia and Hamilton Boroughs, and Huntly- Town District, 1. How Basis Is Derived. The basis of representation is compiled in accordance with the provisions of the Act, on the relative values bf rateable property, the relative populations of Lhe constituent districts, the amoynt of rates levied, and the amount of revenue from the sale of eleotricity. Tjje secretary (Mr H. J. Beeohe) reported sending a letter to the Public Works Department, stating that the Ngaruawahla Borough Council had accepted the board’s suggestion, but the Huntly Town Board was desirous of having more time to consider the matter. The Huntly Town Board wrote forwarding the following resolution passed by its mcmebrs following a discussion on Power Board representation: “That the Huntly Town Board does not agree to the proposed allocation of representatives as set out in the Power Board’s proposal, and is of opinion that the following would be a more reasonable proportionHuntly, 1 member, NgaruaVvahia, 1; Waipa County, 2; Raglan County, 1; Waikato County, Advantages of Proposal. The secretary stated that one of the reasons, and an important one from the board’s point of view, for the combined district as recommended by the Central Board, is that in addition to levelling up the percentages, it groups together those with similar franchise. The wider franchise and' the ' facilities for voting cnioyed in boroughs and town .districts. gave the townspeople a very decided advantage over those of_ the country in cases where a borough or town district was combined with a C °Mr y Hinton said the problem should be regarded in the light of the who o area. Huntly interests would be as well looked after as others. Mr A. Livingstone said he believed there was an impression that county affairs and power board matters were co-rclated and identical. “Dictates Board’s Policy.” Mr Hinton: It has even been said that the Waikato County dictates Lhe policy of this board. “I can’t see why Huntly should take up this attitude,” said Mr Livingstone. “I think they are pretty well treated.” „ Mr W. Lee Martin, M.P., considered the representation as worked out by the secretary seemed quite satisfactory. However, if the only solution was a separate member for Huntly, then Huntly should have him Their chief business was to see the work of the board generally proceeding harmoMr°ULivingstone: Then you would keep Huntly quiet by giving them an°l Mr Lee*Martin: Not exactly There are big mining areas in the Huntly district which are extending rapidly. Our board is constituted differently to any other board in the COUl ? try ; Mr G. H. Boyd said- there was a rilffl ml tv in reconciliating the -franchise of the respective districts with the basis of representation. Minister’s Sanction Likely. The secretary said no -opinion had vet been received from the Minister. However, he would undoubtedly agree with the board’s proposals. ' Mr S. Saulbrey asked why Huntly wanted to rob Waipa County of a !n Mr bC ßeeche: I think because they think they are more Important than saulbrey: More important! The motion was carried unamm““So chairman added that .advice was now awaited from the Minister of Public Works. Following the ’receipt of confirmation, steps will he ken to revise the representation.