NON-CONSUMERS’ RATE.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 26, 10 April 1924, Page 3

NON-CONSUMERS’ RATE.

FOR ELECTRIC TOWUR. Fixing' the Minimum. The question of what amount should be fixed as a non-consumers’ rate was discussed at Tuesday’s meeting- of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board, and was eventually fixed at The chairman, Mr. F. H. Claxton, uggested that the South Auckland Bower Board’s Association should be called together to discuss the matter. The minimum rate could be £l, but he suggested that this should be reduced. It. was proposed and seconded that the minimum rate should be ss. Mr. Pohlen asked if a rate was struck for each section or on the value of the properties. The chairman stated that the charge was made on the rateable value, but the maximum rate was £3O. Mr. Strange did not see anything wrong with a minimum rate of £l, which would assist in preventing many of the town sections being retained by speculators. He moved an amendment that the minimum rate be, £l. Mr. Arthur seconded. Mr. Flatt said that in that case the men outside the borough area were not penalised as was the man who held sections in the borough. Mr. Anderson considered that the small man should have the most consideration. If a man had a house on one section and was running- a ocw on another that ratepayer should not have to pay for the section not receiving- power. Mr. Strange said he would not support the non-consumers’ rate if it was going to be only a small amount. It was eventually agreed that the minimum non-consumers’ rate be ss. The chairman said that as the nonconsumers’ rate operated at present a ratepayer was entitled to have the electricity installed free to the extent of his rates already paid.