POWER BOARD CHANGES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 May 1938, Page 8

POWER BOARD CHANGES

MR KING’S LONG SERVICE TRIBUTES AT TODAY’S MEETING (“Times-Age” Special) At today’s meeting of the Wairarapa Electric Power Board, the chairman, Mr A. C. Pearce, extended a warm welcome to Mr F. C. Daniell, who displaced Mr R. J. King at the recent elections. Mr Pearce said he had no doubt that Mr Daniell would prove a useful member. A member with fresh ideas and a constructive policy was always helpful. Mr Daniell’s father, Mr C. E. Daniell, observed Mr Pearce, had been actively associated with the investigating committee prior to the establishment of the board, and he had been a regular attender at meetings, of the committee from 1916 to 1919. “If it were not for the name I bear, I would not be here,” remarked Mr Daniell, who said he .regretted that he had displaced a foundation member in Mr King. He came in no spirit of opposition, but to do the best he could for the consumers and the ratepayers. In congratulating other members on their re-election, Mr Pearce said it showed that the consumers and the ratepayers were very satisfied with the policy of the board, and the service given by members. The board was working on sound business lines. Substantial depreciation and reserve funds had been created, and over two years’ charges had been reduced to the extent of £7,780. In spite of the fact that the board had spent £9900 in 1937 in reticulating the inner area, and the affect of shorter hours and rising costs, he thought the board had done exceptionally well in having been able to reduce charges to the level they were at today.

In paying a tribute to the work of Mr King, the chairman said he had given the consumers and the ratepayers many years of good, honest service. Mr King first represented the Masterton Borough on the investigation committee in 1919, taking the place of Mr C. E. Daniell. He attended all the committee meetings until he was elected to the board in 1920. In 192 G he became a member of the Finance Committee, on which he continued to serve until his retirement. He never forgot that he represented northern end of the district.

Mr H. P. Hugo endorsed the remarks of the chairman and said Mr King had been very keenly interested in the work of the board. It was decided to place on record appreciation of the services rendered by Mr King, and also to forward him a letter expressing thanks for his years of valuable work.