A NON-CONSUMERS’ RATE.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 58, 4 December 1924, Page 2

A NON-CONSUMERS’ RATE.

POWER BOARD’S ACTION. “ Piece of Unfair Legislation.” The advisability of levying a nonconsumer’s rate before the minimum rate was lowered was questioned by a member at Tuesday’s meeting* of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. It was at the instigation of the Thames Valley Power Board that legislation was passed enabling* Electric Power Boards to rate those persons within convenient access to a power line, but it has since been considered that the minimum rate, £l, was too high, and so.far unsuccessful endeavour was made to have the minimum rate lowered. In the meantime it was agreed to lower certain charges to consumers, and to levy a rate upon non-consumers. The first step to put this latter provision into effect was made at Tuesday’s meeting* of the board.

An exchange of questions and explanations ensued between Mr. Flatt and the chairma (Mr. F. H. Claxton), when the chairman suggested eliminating the January meeting of the board and to hold instead an executive meeting* on December 20. A special general meeting of the board would be called for approximately that date, but in order to save all the members attending the finance committee and one other board member (Mr. Grace, who would be in Te Aroha on that day) could pass the formal resolution to strike the nonconsumer’s rate. It was suggested that the special meeting be held at 7 p.m. Mr. Fjlatt, after Questioning the chairman and gaining* more details of the arrangements, raised an objection that they were trying* to push an important piatter through withou-t ariowing the members a suitable opportunity*'to be present. There would be opposition from at least three members to the proposal to levy a nonconsumer’s rate. The chairman said that the board had already decided to strike a rate, and it required a notice of motion to defeat it. It was merely a formal matter. It was pointed out that Mr. Flatt had several months ago seconded a motion to levy a non-consumers’ rate. Mr. Arthur: It seems to me that Mr. Flatt is not in favour of what he was originally. Mr. Flatt suggested that the matter be left over till the board saw what Parliament would do at the next session in connection with the reduction of the minimum rate for nonconsumers. The chairman said it was necessary for the board to keep its promise in the matter of striking the rate. Mr. Pohlen suggested that if there were just a quorum at the meeting it was possible that the motion would be defeated. The chairman: We take that risk, Mr. Pohlen. He moved that under section 4 of the Electric Power Board Act, 1923, that the board strike a separate rate to be levied on the improved or capital value of the rateable property affected. Mr. Flatt: I’m against it. 1 want my vote recorded against it. He considered it a piece of unfair legislation. He agreed that it was quite fail* to have a non-consumer*s rate, but in tlTe interests of the people of Paeroa he must vote against it. Mr. Pohlen seconded, and the motion was carried. The chairman then gave notice to move at the next meeting that the board levy a rate of ?td in the £ on the unimproved value of the property affected from April 1, 1924, to March 31, 1925, and that rate be payable on January 1, 1925.