ELECTRIC POWER.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20247, 16 July 1937, Page 9

ELECTRIC POWER.

NATIONALISATION SENSED. A SIGNIFICANT CLAUSE. . lhat nationalisation *.f electric power supply was contemplated was a conclusion drawn by •some members of the Manawatu-Oroua Electric Power Board at its last meeting, when Ibe Public Works Department forwarded for completion its agreement for a bulk supply of power to the board for the coming live years, says the Manawatu Times. One clause provided dial, notwithstanding anything lo the contrary in ; the agreement, in order to facilitate i any general reorganisation of electric supply in the Dominion, the Minister | may. at any time, on giving six months' j notice, determine I lie agreement at I lie I expiry of any quarter, without any J compensation or damages being payable. It was pointed out that this clause was being Inserted by tti»• department j in other agreements for bulk -supply, ; as at Christchurch. Mr J. llodgcns, M.P., said he J * hough! the clause did not represent the wish of any member of the Cabl- 1 net, but more probably of Ibe depart - | ment’s engineer, de thought that he- ! Tore die agreement was signed an j understanding should be sought that the clause would not he invoked 1 unless national reorganisation should I he undertaken. The board had to consider its own agreement with the City j Council, and bo wished to avoid pro- | longing any possible argument. If die board signed up for such a clause it would have to make a corresponding ■ provision in its agreement with the < council. Mr P. u. Guy thought the clause was an indication that nationalisation of supply was probable. The Minister of Public Works had spoken up and down die country of the troubles in power board areas, and suggesting nationalisation as a remedy?. . Mr *T. A. Nash pointed out that if nationalisation were undertaken il would bo by Act of Parliament, and . no such clause »s dial under consideration would be necessary for the pur- / pose. I It was decided that the chairman (Air J. Boycej And Mr YL A,. Eliott

be authorised to sign the contract, but that before signatures were applied Mr Waters and Mr Hodgens should interview Mr Kissel, the department's engineer. As the City Council will be affected it will be invited to take part in the deputation.