ARAPUNI DEVELOPMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 48, 26 February 1923, Page 4

ARAPUNI DEVELOPMENT.

SELLING THE PRODUCT. ACTIVE CAMPAIGN NEEDED. (By an Engineering Correspondent.) The discussion on Mr. F. A. Brown's paper at the conference of the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers indicates that there is a considerable difference of opinion as to the demand for power in the district which will be supplied from Arapuni.

Mr. Birks is confident that by 1028. at which date Arapitni should be available the demand will be not less than .30,000 k.\r. or 40,000 horsepower, and at this figure he estimates Arapuni will be a paying proposition from the start. On the other hand, Mr. Oauvain and Mr. Toogood, both having had considerable experience, in country loads, are doubtful as to whether the load in the country districts will reach the amounts indicated by the Department. If the load in 1028 is 25,000 k.w. instead of 30,000 k.w., then it is estimated that the loss during the firet year's running will be £3;>,000. The Minister of Public Works has etated that each scheme must pay its way, and it any scheme shows a profit in operation the rate for power from that particular scheme will be reduced. Alternatively, it must be assumed that any loss in a particular scheme will mean an increase in the cost of power.

The contract between the Department and the Auckland Power Board definitely fixes a price for ten years, but no such arrangement has been made between the country districts and the Department, and no doubt, should there be a loss, the country districts will find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to pay extra for their power. We understand that the existing contracts terminate in 1925. Mr. Gauvain has suggested that the Department should extend its operations by having an investigation department, whose function would be to create a demand, and, if necessary, have power to advance money to consumers. I would go further than this, and believe that the time lias arrived when the appointment of electricity commissioners, such as has been done in England and other countries, should be seriously considered. In course of time the whole of the power supply of the country will no doubt be in Government hands, and, now that the large hydro-electric schemes are developing, the time seems opportune for tine appointment. The commission should have very full powers, and should have tne final say in the question of installation of plant in the various districts. Unless some such commission is appointed it is obvious that large sums of money will be wasted, not because individual engineers do not appreciate the demand of their particular district, but because they have not sufficient information of the Government proposals to enable them to definitely formulate their policy so as to conform with the Government main schemes. The matter is one of urgency, and t commend the suggestion to the Government for its very serious consideration. The department is committed by contract to Arapuni, and there is no'possibility of a postponement of the undertaking without the consent of the Auckland Power Board, but very real help could be given by commissioners with suggestions for building up a demand so that the scheme would start on a payable basis.

'Reliable authorities indicate that t!ie Mangaliao scheme, which is expected to be in operation in June, 10-24, will accumulate heavy losses during the first few years. Fortunately we have at lea,st five years in which to build up the load for Arapuni. and no stone should be loft unturned in our desire to make the scheme a financial success.