NON-CONSUMERS’ RATE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4785, 5 December 1924, Page 3

NON-CONSUMERS’ RATE.

POWER BOARD’S ACTION. DECISION TO MAKE A LEVY. When the question of holding r. meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board in January was being discussed at Tuesday’s meeting the chairman, Mr F. H. Claxton, suggested that a special meeting should be called for the evening of December 22 to pass accounts for payment and to authorise the levying of the non-consumers rate. Any of the members besides tne 'special finance committee who could attend would be welcome *o do so. Mr FT E. Flatt said it appeared to him that the board was trying to pusn an important matter through without giving all the members an opportunity to be present. He knew that there would be opposition from at least three members of the board. The chairman pointed out that the board had already decided to strike the rate, and a notice of motion was required to defeat it. The moving of the resolution would only be a formal matter.

Mr C. A. Arthur said it seemed to him that .Mr F-featt s wais not then in favour of what he had been previously-

Mr Flatt suggested that the matter might be left over until the board saw what Parliament would do at its next session.

The chairman replied that it. was necessary for the board to keep its promise in the matter of striking the rate. That was more important than collecting the revenue that would accrue from the rate.

Mr Gauvain (engineer) pointed out tint the rate was necessary because a reduction had been made to farmers on their power charges. Mr Flatt said that it appeared to be an unjust penalty that was being placed on borough consumers, and the farmers were getting off ‘scot free.” Mr J. Pohleh thought that if there was just a quorum present at the meeting it was possible that the motion would, be defeated. , The Chairman: We must take that risk, Mr Pohlen. The chairman then moved: "That the Board levy a.separate rate of one farthing in the £ on the improved or capital value of .the rateable property affected.” Mr Pohlen seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Flatt said he wished to have his vote recorded against the proposal. He considered it a piece of unfair legislation. It was quite all right to have a non-consumers’ rate, but in the interests of the people of Paerba he must necessarily oppose the resolution owing to the excessive mini? mum rate of £l.