HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18307, 14 February 1925, Page 14

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

——• HARNESSING THE KAWARAU. The information received a few days ago regarding the prospect of a big hydro-electric scheme through the agency of the Kawarau Mining Company was evidently founded on fact, although the exact location of such scheme may; not have been correet (states the Cromwell correspondent of the "Otago Daily Times")- ** was first reported that the company would probably harness the great power of Hawea and Wanaka, but the latest, information from a reliable source ia that the company has a big scheme in hand ultimately to generate power by harnessing tihe waters of the Kawarau. The system • proposed is one of a dam or dams in the narrow gorges which abound on the Kawarau River. One point near. Cromwell lends itself admirably foT the purpose, and many similar suitable spots exist. Having heard the proposal outlined, it must be admitted that it presents great possibilities, a remarkable feature being the maximum of power at a minimum of cost. The source: is inexhaustible, and..." for an outlay of something like- £IO,OOO power to supply all demands right to the coast for many years can be. supplied. By'a maximum expenditure of £50,000 the supply would, it is claimed suffice for a generation. The proposal, I am informed, is at a practical stage, and will be placed before the Government. It is one which the whole community would certainly receive with enthusiasm.. It would solve the irrigation question - by., -providing cheap power for pumping, and would also meet the impending demands for extensive jdredgihg plants. Judging from the figures supplied, ~the price for powei would be . remarkably. low • compared with other possible sources. Otago *s present source does not encourage" new industries, and an unlimited supply of power towards the coast and the cities would certainly promote new industries and chemical work to which such power ■is essential. The community will watoh the developments with interest.