NELSON NEWS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21404, 21 February 1935, Page 20

NELSON NEWS

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SG?B^ COBB RIVER PLAN .— " DISCUSSED g|- ■■". ' "H {special to the f-bess.) "* - -ill'' NELSON, February 20! : t References have recently been va*£ in Nelson to possible Marlborough co-operation in the hydro-electric' scheme for the northern part of tiwr South Island. At to-day's meeting of" the Waimea Electric Power Boarcfilt was stated that the Marlborough Board's engineer had advised that no additional power would be required for two years, and then only 200 kilowatts a year for some years would be necessary. The chairman of the WaU mea Board, Mr Herbert Everett, said* he could well understand the Mart, borough issue being raised if that pro. vince had not spent £350,000 on its own undertaking. In the light of this it would be useless to revert to the • large Gowan scheme which was under consideration some years ago. The Government had been approached time and again for a bulk scheme, but had refused. Now the Waimea Board had received an offer from a private firm which intended to develop the Cobb river, the company's terms being better than .any other power board was getting anywhere in New Zealand from the Government 'An assurance had also been given that ample power would be available for all Marlborough's requirements from the Cobb scheme. In reply to the Marlborough Power Board's request for a conference, it was decided to write stating that the matter had been practically completed for the development of the Cobb scheme and pointing out that the sup-, ply would be available for Marlborough's requirements and expressing the opinion that no useful purpose could be served by a conference. The board decided to accept the terms submitted by the Nelson City Council for the supply of bulk power subject to an agreement by the council, board, and company on two clauses. The Weather In spite of the hot summer weather during the last few months, Nelson district has been fortunate in its summer rainfall, with the result that the countryside has remained greener than usual, and water supplies have been replenished from time to time before the position has caused anxiety. Last night rain commenced, and up to 9 o'clock this morning .21 of an inch had fallen in the city, but there were heavier falls in the country districts. Soaking rain continued to-day in most parts of the district, and the total for the day will probably be one inch. ; January's rainfall was 3.27 inches, and up to this morning the February total was 1.48 inches, making 4.75 inches for the year to date. Athletics At a meeting of delegates from the Nelson and Motueka Athletic Clubs, Motueka notified that because of its members being engaged in seasonal work with apples, hops, and tobacco, dt would not be represented in the Mahar Cup competition at Westport next month. Efforts are to be made by Nelson to send a team. The executive of the two clubs decided to co-operate in inviting teams from "Wellington and Christchurch for the Easter meetings at Nelson and Motueka. Scottish Society Mr Walter Black was elected chief of the Nelson Scottish Society at the annual meeting. Other officers ap- _ pointed were:—Chieftains, Messrs D. J Bishop, N. Brownlie, H. Coltman, W. Henderson; treasurer, Mr E. Ross; secretary, Mr G.« Mackie; councillors, Messrs Logan, Ward, Shand, Smith, Hay, McChesney, and McHardy; women's committee. Mesdames Black, Prior, McChesney, Miss Coleman. Personal Members of the Motueka branch of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union said good-bye to Mrs H. Slater before her departure for Christchurch. Presentations were made on behalf of the division, and its music and gardening circles. Tributes were paid to Mrs Slater for her keen interest in all branches of the division's activities. Misses F. and G. Jordan, who will leave on a visit to Scotland next month, were • given a farewell party by the ladies' guild at the Motueka vicarage, Mrs Crossman being the hostess.