POWER BOARDS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1930, Page 2

POWER BOARDS

DOMINION CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, July 18

The Power Boards’ Conference today endorsed a series of resolutions contained in a report presented by the Secretaries’ Conference in regaru to guaranteed lines.

A remit from the Engineers’ Conference was endorsed recommending an Electrical Regulation Board should be constituted by statute, to take the place of the present Advisory Committee.

Mr Dean said lie had no complaint to bring against the officers of the Public .Works Department, but the industry had grown to such an extent that it was time it was removed from political control. Mr E. Hitchcock (Christchurch), said that in many respects it would be to the advantage of the country if the control of electrical supplies were taken out of the political arena. Commissioners were in control in South Africa and were doing extremely well. Mr W. Bloodworth (Auckland) said it was desirable that electric supply should be separated .from political control. To do this would be to set up a body which would be above Parliament.

The President (Mr A. Nash, M.P.) agreed that the time had arrived for separation of the Hydro Electric Department and Public Works Department, He had the greatest confidence in Mr KjsseU, Mr A. J. McCurdy moved as an amendment: “That in the opinion of this Conferenc, the time has arrived for the electrical branch of the Public Works Department to be made a distinct and separate Department.” Mr W. J. Holdsworth (Auckland) said that New Zealand should not make the mistakes which had been made Shy. older countries. It was physically impossible for the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department to carry out all duties which at present were placed upon his (shoulders.

Mr W. Cable (Wellington) gave his experience of electrical development, in Australia, where Commissions were in control, who had the highest attainments.

The amendment was 'defeated on the voices.

Mr Hitchcock submitted the following further amendment: “That in the opinion, of this Conference, the time has arrived for the functions of the electrical branch of the Public Works Department to be placed under Government Electricity Supply Commissioners.’’

Mr Dean withdrew his remit in favour of Mr Hitchcock’s amendment, which was carried unanimous* iy< . . . That the Engineers’ Association be asked to erupot upon the charge by the Government to supply authorities was a motion adopted.

The election of officers resulted:— Predicant, J, A, Nash, M.P. (re-elect* ed); Executive, G, A Monk (Horohenua), R. S. Ohadwick CDannevirke), W. J. Holdsworth (Auckland), A. W. Rodger (Southland), J. W. Kershaw (Wairarapa), A. J. McCurdy (Htttt Valley), J. Kennedy (South Canterbury), A. C, Russell (Central Hawke’s Bay), F, W. Watt (Ashburton), J. T. Johnson (Te Awamutu), W. B. Galloway (Otago), M. Cable (representing North Island .Supply Authorities), E. Hitchcock (representing South Island Supply Authorities), H. F. Toogood (representing the Engineers’ Association), S. P. Day (representing the Secretaries’ Committee) ; Secretary-Treasurer and legal adviser, Mr F. M. Martin.