MR ALLO IN DUNEDIN

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11534, 17 March 1903, Page 5

MR ALLO IN DUNEDIN

When in Dunedin Mr Allo was interviewed by the "Otago Daily Times." As already reported, he spoke very favourably of the Waipori scheme, and in conclusion he said: —

"For the cities of Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth, ChrLstchurch, Dunedin, and the suburb* of these towns, it must remain a -act that a country with cheap power ought to more man counterbalance the high labour prices, and ought to find itself capable of manufacturing and introducing manufacturing industries which at the present time would have no opportunity of starting, tnereby giving an extensive start and push for capital, increasing the welfare, eiEe, anct population of the cities in which these industries would spring up. The difference ot coat of hydraulic electric power compared with steam power would reduce the iormer to about from 30 to 40 ■per cent. Jower than tnc latter. Even in the case of gas motors, which I understand run about £12 10s pt>r h.p. per annum here, there would etill bo a saving of from 25 to 30 per cent. ~y using electric power. Such power, for consumers of from 1 to 10 h.p. per annum, could bo deliveredart Dunedin at from £8 to £9 per h.p. per annum. It stands to reason that factories taking larger quantities would have the benefit of discounts in proportion to the quantity used, and under these' circumstances the price might come as low as £6 IDs to £7 on an aJI-the-year-round agreement." "Is there any aimilarity between the natural conditions of this country and Switzerland in relation to its available water power?" asked' the reporter.

"Thia country in every respect, I consider," replied Mr Allo, "could be very well compared to Switzerland twenty-five yeans ago. Industry here at the present time might be described as in its infancy. In Switzerland at that time' water power was practically a new thing. Coals cost from £2 to £2 10s p:r ton delivered at. the works. Since 188".. when the M.F.O. then mnda the first puv.rr tr.iriN.'iiifsion in the world, proving thereby that <uiv amour* of power could foe trnuMiiiuot! to any distance, industries w< ke vp in Kwitz<*tiand. By the improvement of hydraulic machinery said by the improvement of electrical machinery, especially with the threeface system, transmission has become in general use all through the Swiss country. Any amount of industries—metallurgical, tanneries, shoe factories, etc.—have, started, and even the watch factories, which were being worked entirely by hand some years back, are being worked -*s-dav h& electric power. Tliere is therefore ever}' probability that this country, which has a vast amount of chuap power, will develop into a large manufacturing country."