AUCKLAND POWER SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 210, 5 September 1922, Page 6

AUCKLAND POWER SCHEME.

A GRAVE MISUNDERSTANDING TRANSMISSION LINE URGENTLY REQUIRED. (By Telegraph-Special to -Star.") WELLINGTON", this day. A deputation from the Auckland Power Board waited upon the Minister of Public Works to-day and urged the immediate consfruction of a transmission line from Hamilton to Auckland. From the general discussion which took place it appeared as though a grave misunderstanding existed, the Minister being of opinion that the difference with the board had been settled. The board also was of opinion that the matter had been settled, but a short time ago the chief electrical engineer sought further guarantees, which the board was not prepared to ftive. The board was under the impression that the Horahora scheme was part and parcel of the Arapuni scheme, and, in the belief that all disputes had been settled, the l>oard had entered into heavy financial commit- . nients. ' It was stated that increased power from Hora Hora would be available about March, 1924, and that the Government did not desire to put the line through until 1925 or 1026. It would take eighteen menths to put the line through. Mr. Wyllie, engineer to the board, stated that the present plant was working up to its full capacity. When a new unit was installed the additional power would be taken up within two years. , The Minister stated that the engineer's remarks altered the whole aspect' of the matter. Apparently the demand for power in Auckland would be greater than they anticipated. I Mr. Holdsworth: We know that ,you have been misled in the past. The Hon. J. G. Coat«s said he would revjew the whole matter and let the ieputation have an answer to its request :o-morrow. The deputation would under- . stand that the Department did not want ;o pile up losses by spending capital >efore such expenditure was justified. : ====== !