BULK POWER CHARGES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 10

BULK POWER CHARGES

ANNOUNCEMENT TO

BE MADE TO DAY

MR SEM?LE’S ASSURANCE TO BOARDS

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, September 15

- At the moment he could not say anything on. the question whether the Government would reduce its charges for the supply of bulk electric power; stated the Minister for Public Works (the Hon; R. Semple) at the opening of the annual conference of, the Electric Power Boards and* Supply Authorities Associatioh of New Zealand in Wellington 'today. Mr Semple said that ,he had consulted the Minister for Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) and would announce the Government’s intention to-morrow. •, f . “I arrived back from the South Island this morning and had half an hour with the Minister for Finance,” said Mr Semple. “We are still discussing the question and before this conference concludes I shall be able to tell you whether we can reduce the charges or not.” The president, Mr J. A. Nash (Manawatu-Oroua) welcomed the Minister to the conference, and said that the association appreciated the consideration shown on the questions raised. by deputations to the Minister. The question of bulk supply charges, however, had concerned the association since its inception If years ago! Power boards were playing their part in the development of electricity and were ‘the Government’s largest consumers. lt was felt that a reduction should be made in the charges for bulk power. “We are out to give the maximum supply of electricity ltd the people of New Zealand a’t the. minimum cost and while I‘ am iri charge of the department I shall do my best to meet the requests of the boards,” said the Minister. “I am not the only pebble on the beach; however,-, and there, are lother. men in- Mgh. ;in the theij: confidence on a ’ matter . affecting the finances Of the Country.” •' , % ,