ELECTRIC POWER BOARDS’ ACT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 22 November 1927, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER BOARDS’ ACT

AMENDING BILL,

VARIOUS ALTERATIONS

(Special to “Tribune.”) Wellington, November 22. Various alterations to the Electric Power Boards Act were brought down in an amending bill in the House of Representatives last night. No person will be disqualified from election to a board if he was interested in a contract. Authority is given to boards to levy a rate to raise the excess of expenditure over income. Tile rate is to be levied on a graduated scale, according to the classification of rateable properties affected. A board may classify rateable properties into any number of classes, and the rate shall be levied in such proportions as the board appoints. Due notice is to be given of the proportions proposed, and a list of classifications is to be deposited for inspection in tbs office of each constituent local autho. rity in each post office in the district

Appeals may be lodged against classifications on the ground that the property is not likely to benefit from the expenditure of the money to be derived from the proposed rate. They shall be heard by a magistrate. The classified list is to be open for inspection for 21 days, and appeals are to be lodged within seven days after the expiration oi that period. Two months’ notice must be given of intention to amend a classification list. The Bill contains a number of clauses relative to sinking and de preciation funds. A board may appoint the Public Trustee to be the sole commissioner of the depreccia tion fund. Provision is also contained for the establishment of a fire insurance and accident fund