HYDRO-ELECTRIC POLICY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22465, 28 July 1938, Page 10

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POLICY

4, Minister Replies To Criticism ARTICLE BY “ENGINEER” A Political Motive Seen [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 27. A reply to criticism of the Government’s hydro-electric development, which was published in “The Pi'ess” on Monday, was made to-day by the Hon. R. Semple (Minister for Public Works). The Government, he said, welcomed criticism from competent critics; but this article appeared to have been an attempt to undermine the Government politically. Mr Semple said that in the first place he doubted if the Writer in question could be correctly designated “engineer,” as he had a sufficiently high opinion of the code of ethics of members of that profession to believe that any of its members would hardly be guilty of resorting to anonymous newspaper articles to point out any deficiencies that might exist in the department’s engineering proposals. Mr Semple said he was always willing, and he was sure that his responsible officers were likewise always willing, to receive bona fide out-in-the-open criticism of any of the Government’s activities, and these criticisms would be doubly welcome if they emanated from a competent engineer. The article in question, however, appeared to him to savour rather of a disappointed political aspirant attempting to belittle the work of the present Government, and it was only because it might be used in that way that he would consider making any reply to it at all. Lake Coleridge Breakdown Dealing with the criticism in more particular detail, the Minister went on to say that although the recent unfortunate breakdown in the switchgear at the Lake Coleridge power station had for a short time practically put that station out of action, power at the main sub-station at Addington was not completely interrupted, and there was always power available for essential services. For a few hours, certainly, the voltage and frequency were lower than usual, and there were a few restrictions; but he could claim that the ordinary consumer had not suffered any great hardship. It was unfortunate that the trouble should have occurred just at the period of the year when the load was at the maximum, as for by far the greater period of the year there nerd have been no restriction at all. He did not want people to think, however, that the Government wanted to run its power system without adequate reserve, as this was not the case. At the same time, however, the amount of reserve could easily be overdone. Capital charges had to be paid if the plant operated or not. and it was easy to see that if an undue reserve plant was established, the price of electricity would have to go up. . The growth of‘the load during the last two years, said the Minister, had been phenomenal. This was no doubt in some degree because the natural increase had been held back the depression years, and was now being added to the increase consequent on the present period of greater prosperity. Even if the present good times continued there was no clear prooj that the increase in power demand would continue at the same high rate as in the last two years. The Minister pointed out also the difficulties that exist at present m obtaining deliveries of material.. Poles were particularly mentioned, as if poles had been available, the transmission line now being built between Lake Coleridge and the West . Coast would have been completed, and additional power could have been brought to Christchurch from the Diesel station on the Coast to make up the deficiency during the few hours when power was restricted after the switchgear trouble mentioned above. Works Undertaken Mr Semple went on to explain that the Government had by no means been idle in hydro-electric development. and instanced many works which had been completed under the present Government, or which were now well on the way to completion. These would be set out in the proper place at a later date. He went on to explain, also, that a large amount of preparatory work was necessary before he was prepared to authorise work being commenced on any new development. Such was the case at Waikaremoana, which was singled out by the anonymous “engineer.’ The previous Government was not commilted to proceed with the upper development; but had been carrying on a considerable amount of exploratory and testing work there to prove the nature of the ground and its suitability for the works proposed. Mr Semple was not satisfied, that the ground was suitable without very special precautions, and in the circumstances had considered that it would be safer : and better meanwhile to proceed with the alternative development below the present one. This might have occasioned delay; but in view of the very special nature of the problem at the upper site, he was of opinion that the more straightforward problem should be tackled first, so as to allow time for more study of the other. . Regarding “Engineer’s criticism of the delay in installing additional units at Waitaki, the Minister agreed that two units were installed when the Government came in, but pointed out that even after the Government came in he was faced with statements that Waitaki was ahead of its time, that it was not loaded to capacity, and that in consequence power should be given away at uneconomic rates to stimulate the demand for power Actually he soon realised that althougn there ’ may have been a temporary over-supply, there would soon be a demand for increases, and he had approved the preparations of plans and specifications and the calling of tenders for additional units. Two such units had been ordered, and would add a further 30,000 kilowatts to this station. Surveys at Lake Tckapo The Minister also pointed out that in anticipation of still further l° a din o , he had had surveys compieted at Lake Tekapo, and-had had shafts and pits put down at different points there to determine the nature of the ground on which certain essential worfe would have to be built to regulate the flow of water from the lake He said also that he had some time back approved a proposal to develop power in a new power station in the .Rakaia river, using in the winter months the water which would be diverted from the Rangitata river and m the used for irrigation Purposes The headworks construction for this ]od

was that required for irrigation and was already well under v y® y '.. al ? ( * p^ e power house section would, if necessary, also be started as soon as there was a definite indication that its need "in conclusion, the Minister emphasised that he and all other members of the Government fully realised th OI me VjrUVCi iJUicm* t - importance of an adequate supply of electricity being available everyone. eiecinuuy ~ ~ whether in the cities or m the! country. at a reasonable price. This, ne recognised, required very careful - ganisation and planning, and _ as ~uch was one which could quite safely be left to the present Government to look after.