POWER CHARGES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 404, 13 December 1932, Page 5

POWER CHARGES

another protest ROTORUA COUNTY COUNCIL NOT SATISFIED WITH PRESENT RATES HARDSHIP T-0 FARMERS The reply received from the Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts, Hon. A. Hamilton, that the Rotorua Connty CouUcil's representations for an immediate revision of the recently increased charges for electric power in the Rotorua district could not be eonsidered at the present time caused further diseussion on the subject at yesterday's meeting of the council and as a result further representations are to be made to the Minister and the member for the district, Mr. C. H. Clinlcard, M.P. The Minister stated that while he had no objection to a review at a later date, he would not consent to undertake . this until the new schedule of charges had been in operation for a reasonable peridd. Stating that the charges under the new schedule were greater than the previous rates, the chairman, Mr. H. P. Ford, eonsidered that the faet that farmers were now seeking a substitute for electric power for their milking plants should he pointed out to the Minister. Crude oil was cheaper for power purposes than the present rates said Mr. Ford, and many farmers were seriously considering the use of this means of power for their plants. Cr. J. J. Smyth supported the chairman and said that in view of the fact that the profit on the service to the department was in the vieinity of £5000 he eonsidered that the increase made was not justified and had seriously increased the difficulties of the farmer. The motion of the chairman that a further letter be sent to the Minister pointing out that on account of the large increase under the schedule farmers in the district were making preparations to instal other means of power for milking plants an immediate review was necessary, was passed and on the motion of Cr. A. L. Keith, Mr. Clinkard is to be asked to support the recommendation.