THE WATER POWER VOTES

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 272, 16 November 1910, Page 4

THE WATER POWER VOTES

In regard to the proposals for the development of our water power, it is satisfactory to learn that Government, embarking on what promises to be an exceedingly expensive undertaking, hae obtained reports from two more experts relative to the cost of various schemes, the possibilities of long-distance fcransniiission, and the commercial prospects of the enterprise. As matters now stand, it seems that the Lake Ooleridge scheme, with which a start is to be made, may cost anything from £290,000 to £700,000. No doubt this scheme, because of the comparative ease and certainty with which a large amount of power could be obtained for 'transmission to one of our greatest centres of population, should take precedence of ail other projects yet suggested. Apart from the .probable demand for electric power in Girristchurch and North Canterbury for other purposes, the possibility of electrifying the Tunnel line between Christc-hurch and Lyttelton is an important factor in the scheme. But the indefiniteness of these figures suggests a postponement of the work until fuller information with regard to cost and revenue is avail-able. Wo must owe tiniit so far we have not yet seen any reason for putting the Hu-tt scheme on the same footing as the Lake. Coleridge project; and we hope that our membeiß iwili keep a careful eye on the prospects of the Kaituna scheme, and other propositions which, mora immediately concern Auckland, and take- care that they a,re not shouldered off "the stage .by iraportainate rivals. Tihe commercial prospects of the Lake Coleridge and Hutt schemes, according to Mr. Birks, are distinctly promising; and we- have always held that under fair conditions the creation of electrical energy from water power will do as .much in. New Zealand as it has already done in. Norway and SwitzerJand,_in Canada and. tie •United States, to create industries and •to employment .for-<the workers. But considering itthe magnitudes of these undertakings, and the large amount of money they must absorb, Tswagree that it will he well to>-proceed! "in>.&, tentative and cautious >wacy, and. ifihe vote of £300,000 should >be ample- for our purposes for the coming ■year.