WESTLAND POWER BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1929, Page 3

WESTLAND POWER BOARD

*-•- • - --T' TUESDAY, OCTOBER Bth. The Board met at 4.15 o’clock. , Present: Messrs J. A. Murdoch (voted, to the chair), B. Ward, E. A. Wells, F. Selby, T. 11. Chesterman, T. W. Bruce. Apology for absence -was made on behalf of Messrs W. J. Butler, D. P. Stuart, and R. Whiley. Air j. S. Langford was present by invitation-. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The outward correspondence was read and approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. '

From Under-Secretary, Department of Internal • Affairs, acknowledging communication notifying election of new board and appointment of W. J. Butler as chairman.—Received, From Westland Power Ltd., inviting Chairman to conference at Kumara relative to Kumara Borough Council water for fire purposes—Received. The Chairman attended the conference. From 1 Controller and Auditor-Gen-eral returning the certified balance sheet for the year ended Alarch 31st, 1929.—Received....

From Alines Department relative to the trans-Teremakau pipe line and boundary on north bank, - asking for decision regarding same. —Received. The Acting-Chairman explained that certain statements in the letter were not admitted, and that certain conclusions mentioned were disputed. He moved that the Westland Power Ltd. be consulted as to any agreement at the conference as alleged, and that the Board indicate it is not disposed in all the circumstances to leave the arbitrament as to the north bank boundary to a public officer. This was seconded by Air Chesterman and agreed to after a short discussion.

Mr Langford on behalf of Westland Power Ltd. suggested that in accordance with the franchise granted the Kanieri Electric Ltd. to supply the Hokitika Mental Hospital, three months notice be given of the termination of the right. It was pointed out the hospital was in the*Power Board area, and that the right when given was considered a temporary, one, hence the provision for three months’ notice, and the payment for the line taken over. The Chairman said he was not disposed to give consent offhand and would like to hear what the Kanieri Electric Ltd. had to say. He suggested the matter be adjourned for further consideration, especially fis fi full Board was noCfiresent. Mr Ward thought the matter might be' viewed as if the Power Board had provided the power, and its desire to reach out for all eligible customers would be natural. Mr Chestermqn rather concurred. Mr Wells favoured more consideration, as did also Mr Selby, and the matter was adjourned to be considered at a special meeting at 4 o’clock next Friday afternoon.

In reply to a query, Mr Langford 1 stated that since Jrhe previous .meeting of the Board, ’ the' Company had now extended its reticulation into tke Kokatahi district, and 'about eighteen miles of additional transmission line was just about completed. The Company had 45 guaranteed suppliers in the Kokatalii district, assuring the necessary revenue to cover the cost of the line. : Replying to Mr Bruce, Mr Langford said the line would be taken to Ross just as soon-as the residents'guaranteed twenty per' cent of(the cost involved. * Answering Air Selby about serving consumers on the towhside'of Kanieri, Air Langford said applications should be lodged at the office;' arid the matter would be gone into;' *• - Io S The meeting Concluded at ! 4.50 p.m*