SCHEME AT COLERIDGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9431, 31 January 1921, Page 3

SCHEME AT COLERIDGE

DEVELOPMENT OF POWER. FIRST VISIT OF MINISTER. A CANTERBURY DEMONSTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF PROVINCE. SPEECH BY HON. J. G. COATES. The demonstration organised by the Canterbury Progress League to meet the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. J. Gordon Coates, on the occasion of his first visit to the Lake Coleridge hydro-electric power works, was probably the most comprehensive Canj terbury gathering ever assembled. Many and diverse interests were represented, while so far as the Province l # \vas concerned, districts from the Conway River m the north to the Waitaki m the south sent small or large contingents. The Ashburton town and county's quota was very encouraging. ; The heavy south-west rain had little affect on the attendance. A few who" set out relinquished the trip after having travelled a few miles, but the large majority made the trip undeterred by the weather conditions. The travellers from the northern centres and also those from South Canterbury experienced heavy rain during the whole of the journey to Coleridge, but were rewarded on arrival by the promise of finer weather.

Inspection of Power House. From 9 a.m. motor-cars from allparts of the Province descended on the .Lake Coleridge works, and it is estimated that over 130 care were "parked" by noon. The arrangements made by the Progress League were very satisfactory. Visitors took their own refreshments, but hot water was available on arrival, and most of [ those who took part m the demonstraI tion lunched before the arrival of the Ministerial party. After arrival and until the speeches were due to be made, the visitors inspected the power station. The machinery for generating the fifth unit was seen m position, but it was not running. A few minor adjustments have to be made yet. The president of the Canterbury Progress League, Mr A. G. Henderson, and the organiser, Mr P. It. Climie, reached Coleridge a little m advance of the Minister. Mr Coates arrived soon after noon. He was accompanied by Sir Heaton llhodes, Minister for Defence, Mr David Jones, M.P., Mr F. W. Furkert, Chief Engineer to the Public Works Department, and Mr Lawrence Birks,, Chief Government Electrical Engineer. After the Minister had lunched, he was addressed by Mr Henderson. The Minister acknowledged that the size of the demonstration had impressed him as showing the universal desire for the prompt development of hydroelectric power m Canterbury, but he was non-committal as to the future intentions of the Government. The latter, he said, realised the importance of developing the hydro-electric resources of Canterbury, but was limited m its operations by lack of finances. , He intended as Minister for Public Works, however, to pursue a businesslike policy, and his sentiments m this connection were very heartily applauded. The Minister made a decided impression on the member?^ of the demonstration, who him, on his arrival, before his speech, and subsequent thereto, a very hearty reception. After the speeches a great many of the visitors inspected the intake works. The lake is rather low at present, this being the dry season of the year, but its capabilities as the motive power for generating electricity were decidedly impressive. Mr Henderson's Address.

In addressing the Minister, Mr Henderson' extended to Mr Coates a very cordial welcome to Canterbury on the occasion of his first Ministerial visit to the Lake Coleridge works. After referring to the comprehensive nature of the Canterbury Progress League, which was™ representative of over 100 public bodies m the Province, Mr Henderson said he was speaking for a united Canterbury and for Westland. During the la6t few years there had grown up m Canterbury a great spirit of enterprise, a spirit such ; as had never been known before, a spirit which had for its maxim the development of Canterbury to the utmost of its resources, and its resources were many. (Applause.) The Canterbury people wanted the Government to make, use of the resources of the Province,'* and to make use of the spirit, of enterprise to which he had referred. , in developing those resources. '(Applause.) As one expression of its intention to make use of the resources and Canterbury's new spirit m conjunction with each other, the Government was asked I to develop to its^ fullest possible extent the Lake Coleridge hydro-electric power scheme. The present power-house was only "half a power-house, and the Canterbury people and the Progress League, which were really one and the same, wanted to see the capacity of the power-house doubled, making available 20,000, or 25,000, or 30,000 horsepower from the lake. Canterbury people regarded it as the right scheme, because they believed its development was the cheapest scheme whereby to obtain electrical power for the Province^ They believed better and greater results could be obtained by extending the Lake Coleridge scheme than by commencing new schemes elsewhere. (Applause.) The Chief Government Electrical Engineer had stated that the electrical needs of Canterbury were m the vicinity of 28,000 kilowatts, and the Canterbury people were assured that the Lake Coleridge scheme could supply that amount by a process of development. In Canterbury there were transport facilities not available elsewhere. They now had a Minister for Public Works "who had a keen and a businesslike mind, and it was doubtful if the portfolio had ever been held by a more capable Minister than Mr Coates. (Applause.) That the speaker was sincere m this opinion could be judged by the fact that for years he had been associated \vith_ a political party other than that to which Mr Coates belonged. Canterbury believed that Mr Coates would realise at once the great need for developing the resources of Lake Coleridge. They did not ask the Government to- spend money at the expense* of other centres m New Zealand. What was wanted was the development of the Lake Coleridge scheme along with the development of other schemes m New Zealand. (Applause.)

Power for Whole of Canterbury. "We are not asking for the development of this scheme," proceeded Mr Henderson, "for North Canterbury alone ; we believe the surest way to get power for South Canterbury is to

develop the Coleridge schpr.io." ''Jc.r , hear." % w • •— ■ . After emphasising tin • increase m■ ' i.n. ."..."..' \jj -.khuzU'Lul power 1 ;in\.;;..... J i!i;;, „ ..*■■ i iii.aiu mat was la;- -iuiu' urnl ri 5;....s- ! 'fied, Mr Hendersur. concluded by say- ' ing that the resources were there, the j demand was there, the proposition was sound and businesslike, and they asked ! the Minister to provide not merely for I an extra unit, but for the full development of the scheme. (Applause.) Mr Raymond, Mayor of Timaru, also ' addressed the Minister. The Minister's Reply. The Hon. J. G. Coates was received with much applause as he stepped forward to speak. He prefaced his remarks by thanking the Progress League for its kindness not only to him on this, his first, visit to Lake Coleridge, but also to the other members of his party. He e aid he realised that he was speaking to people who represented one of the most important parts of New Zealand, people who would not have been present except for the purpose of impressing on the Government the necessity of developing the hydro-electric power scheme m their district. Mr Coates acknowledged that it was vital to the future .progress of the Dominion that the re- ' sources of the country m respect to hydro-electric schemes should be developed to the utmost, not only to supply the needs of industry m the cities and towns, but also those of the people m the back-country, m order to alleviate the conditions under which many of those engaged m the primary ; industries of the country engaged. '•' I am a back-blooker myself," he said, "and I know the difficulties. (Applause.) I have seen the changes brought about by electrical power. The Government recognises that by harnessing the waterways it wil reduce the minimum quantity of coal required. The coal position is serious. We are not getting the coal to-day , that we require. Other energy has to be found, and the only energy left to us 16 •waterpower. Alt the money we require should be found, if possible, for harnessing the waterways. We put that first because at any moment we may not have sufficient coal for our essential industries. ..Imagine what would happen, for instance, if the freezing works were out of coal for 24 hours. The industry on which this country primarily depends would be lost, and many individuals would suffer. We, as reasonable people, • must take steps to prevent anything like that happening. The trouble is that coal must come from undergrounds, and if men say that they won't work the coal we can't force them to do so ; every man m this country can do just as he ' likes. Difficulty of Finances. "The Lake Coleridge power-house was an experiment m the first place. The result is that you have about onefourth of he power you can use, a position found m all cases where ' hydroelectricity has been developed. Suppose the Government said that it would find sufficient power, say .300,000 horsepower, for New Zealand for a certain number of years, ten or fifteen. It can be done, provided that we ' havp \. the men and the material. Men do not count very much, as le6S labour is required for head-works than for a longdistance railway line; but for the construction of head-works and reticulation we would require £60,000,000, and 'I'm sure that this country, m ten years, could not find that sum for that. purpose. I am pleased to see so many ladies and gentlemen here. I suggest-; a way m which you can help. You can' , suggest to the Minister of ' Financethat he should tax you a little more, and devote part of the money to .oiaking reticulations and transmission lines. If you'll find the money, I'll do the job for him. After all, the I Government's operations m regard to development are restricted absolutely by the sum the country will projvide." Development at Coleridge. Referring again, to Lake Coleridge, he said that the, plant was running a i big peak load. The danger point might be reached at any moment and all the power be cut off.. ,The Government had received tenders for new work at the lake, and it had been recommended to accept them, but it did not possess sufficient information on the subject at present, and the people of Canterbury would have to put up with his funny little \vay& until he was satisfied that the tenders were m the best interests of the whole country. In Mr Furkert, head of the Departmental! staff, and Mr Birks, head of the, hydro-electric branch, he had absolute confidence, and he wanted them to have; confidence m him, and. they must excuse him for is attitude on a question, that mea-nt. everything to hip* , , As to the deviation of the Harper, the Government had all the authority it needed, and sufficient money to complete the supply of 16,000 horse-power., which would be 'distributed by transmission lines. The Timaru line and the Ashburton and Orari lines would take 1000 horse-power; the Kqwhai, Ashley, Banks (Peninsula, Springs;, and Selwyn County lines would take 500 horse-power. Planfe and specifications had been" almost completed for the new power-house at the lake. The question of. placing further pipe-lines m position also was being considered, but the .mere- act of considering the question was not the only point, as the Government must know where it was going. All-infor-mation m restfect to a, further development of 24,000 horee-power was m course of preparation. The Government intended to develop that quantity. It would bring the total of th<- I hike up to about 40,000 horse-power. That was the programme the Government had m hand. There 1 would be a. new tunnel, a new pipe-lrae, and 24,000 additional horse-power. ■ TKe Government had to provide tor the whole of New Zealand, not for. any particular part as being a . favoured district. Perhaps those present hari heard of a place called Auckland P (Laughter). There was a scheme for hydro-electric power at Arapum, m the Auckland province, another for, power at Waikaremoana, on the east coast ot the North Island-, and another tor power at Mangahao, near Shannon. Wellington province. In addition, there were schemes for Marlboroujrh 1 and Nelson, including the Lake Coic- " ridge scheme, and Westland, and a ' supplementary scheme ' for Waipori, j Otago, which would ultimately jom the i Monowai.

Big Start for Christchurch. " You are fortunate," the Minister said, again referring to Canterbury, "m having not only power but also important industries that have gone ahead— undoubtedly justifiably— with the idea that they could use power from Lake Coleridge. May I say that you have a tremendously big start on the rest of New Zealand ? I hope that you will maintain it. I'm not here to rob any persons of what they ye got.

I'm here, as far as possible, to give effect to the wishes of the Government, and its position is that it must provide for the rest of New Zealand, as well as for Canterbury. If we double the capacity of Lake Coleridge we will give some of the power to fimaru; other places mtfst be considered. Christchurch has certain advantages indxistrially, and I believe that Canterbury, and particularly Christchurch, have a tremendous future m respect to industries. As far as I know at present, there is nothing to prevent us going on to an ultimate development of 40,000 horse-power at Lake Coleridge. The only thing that can prevent it is the question -as to how much money will be placed at my disposal. vThe next step is for you to help the Minister for Finance to find sufficient. We cannot shut our eyes to the question of money. A further step is to be absolutely certain that what money we have. is. spent to the best advantage of the whole country, "riot of any section." Sir Heaton Rhodes said that he always had supported a power scheme for Canterbury. As a member of the old Selwyn County ; Council, he supported' Mr T. E. Taylor's scheme to harness the Waimakariri Gorge., He said that Mr Coates's alertness and quickness of mind were a credit to him as a young man, and that his ideals would carry him a long way. Mr Henderson, m moving a vote of thanks to Mr Coates, said: :Vshe Minister stated that we have a great start m the use of power. That is true, but we made, the start ourselves. The duplication of the power-house at the lake is largely a -matter of money. I believe that the people will, provide the money if the Minister will let them spend ( it. We'll finance it if we can get ahead with it at once." The motion was carried, and a vote of thanks was passed.vlio the president and Mr P. R. Climie (secretary), on the motion of the Minister. Cheers were given for Mr Henderson and the League and for the Minister. I Visit to Harper River. ! Subsequent 'to the inspection of the Lake Coleridge plant, the Minister, accompanied by Messrs A. G.. Hender son, president of the Progress League, W K. McAlpine, vice-president of the league, and P. R. Climie, the league's organiser, visited the Harper River to inspect the work m connection with the diversion scheme. Mr P. W. Furkert. Chief Public Works Engineer, and MiLaurence Birks, Chief Electrical Engi- : neer, explained the plan to the Minister. It was found that the new gate was being put m and the new channel to the lake was almost completed, while the material was on the ground for the construction of the groin at the point where the diversion is to be made. It was explained that a temporary diversion could be made by the end of February, to supply sufficient water to obviate any danger of a shortage this side of the winter. It is probable that such diversion will bc^made. During March, April, and May the level of the lake is generally low, and for this reason it is considered desirable by the engineers that additional water should be provided. No serious delay m the work is anticipated, provided that the Harper does not come down m flood.

jr our future well-being and iSion cannot be doubted. In , «then, aviation is reprej. "m (New Zealand only by a machines presented to the 1 raiment by the Imperial ferities and by the machines jftei to the order of the fee companies. ' What is the xect for the future, there- ? It is clear that the aerial ace of New Zealand will be aidenton the development of , aviation. To establish an Eorce for New Zealand would : ;a great deal of money, not j .for .machines, but also for {training of aviators, anfl the fc. for the Government lid. undoubtedly be the enxagement of commercial avial, so that m time of need chines and men could prac--1 ally at once be drafted from •iil aviation into national serie. This will be the most pnomical course for the Govnment to pursue and without iuibt the most efficient. Ashirton to-day witnessed the . iaugura^ion of an aerial mail trvice from Christchurch to Ashuirton and Timaru. Such a ser- , ice must be regarded as a miielx* tone m the path of progress rhich New Zealand — and Canteriury —^is making, although it mist be admitted that from a practical point of view little is gained by the delivery of letters bm Christchurch to Ashburton by aeroplane. But all things must have a beginning. Even if an aerial postal service should be run at a loss it may be more .economical than keeping a number of pilots m training. In any ease there will be some return for the work done, and the public will benefit by the quicker * delivery of mails, while, the necessity of regular daily flights r in all 1 weathers will make for efficiency. As time goes on the iaerial service will no doubt be extended b and employed m a variety of : ways. /Aviation should occupy an important place m the defence : scheme of the Dominion and the Government's most economical and at the same time its most efficient policy should be to en- . courage commercial aviation and ; employ the nucleus of a New \ Zealand Ait Force during peace time m the service of the Post a Office. To-day, therefore, on the occasion of the inauguration of an aerial mail service to Ashbur-

ton the 4 "Guardian" desires to record its ■, satisfaction at so great and important a development m the history of the Province.