POWER BOARDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 235, 4 October 1928, Page 21

POWER BOARDS.

AN AMENDING BILL

SEPARATE TRADING ACCOUNTS PARTIAL RATE EXEMPTION.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A nnmber of amendments to the Electric Power Boards Act asked for by the Power Boards' Association were introduced by the Governor's Message in- the House to-night. The Minister of Public Works (the Hon. K. S. Williams) explained that the association had asked for a great many amendments, but he had pointed out that there was very little time to consider them, and it had not been possible at this stage of the session to give effect to everything sought by the association. One clause modifies the conditions on which ratepayers may obtain partial exemption from general rates on the ground that the supply of electricity is not available to them. The bill also provides that with respect to any property liable to a separate rate, if the board is satisfied that the occupier or owner; (in cases where there is no occupier) is unable to take advantage of the supply of electricity with reasonable benefit to himself or the property,, the board may remit the whole or part of the rate, or may refund the whole or any part of the rate paid in respect of such property/ The chairman's annual allowance, which was unlimited under the provision of the original Act, is limited to £300 a year. Under the terms of another amending clause an important amendment is made in respect of boards' accounts and financial statements, it being stipulated that from 1929 onward separate accounts shall be shown concerning income and expenditure in respect of each public trad£ig, undertaken or controlled. If the audit office considers that any separate account does not properly and fairly disclose the financial results and the position of the public trading undertaking, the board shall make such alterations as the audit office thinks fit. Such statements are to be open for inspection by the public at the board's office. It is also provided that where a board acquires electric works from a local authority it may undertake the loan or liabilities of that body in respect of such works. Regarding the installation of equipment and fittings it is stipulated that where the total cost, including installation, exceeds £30, the amount s paid by way of purchase or rent shall : not be a charge on the land, or recover--5 able as a rate, unless prior to installaf tion written consent is given by the r owner, and also by the mortgagee where | there is a mortgage. The bill was read s a first time.