COOK STRAIT CABLE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29467, 20 March 1961, Page 17

COOK STRAIT CABLE

South Island Objections

The objections of the South Island to the Cook Strait power cable should be expressed in the strongest possible way, said Mr H. L. Gibson (Dunedin) at the conference of the South Island Publicity Association. A remit presented by Mr Gibson that the Government be requested to delay the Cook Strait cable until the full power requirements of the South Island for present and future industry had been measured and provided for was passed by the conference.

At present l there was a gross unbalance between population and industry in the two islands, said Mr Gibson.

“Why should power be taken to the North Island industries. Cannot industry come to South Island?" asked Mr Gibson. Earlier speakers at the conference, the Minister in charge of Tourist and Health Resorts (Mr Shand) and the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) had emphasised that the South Island should not adopt a parochial attitude, he said. “I think it is time we became parochial and spoke out for South Island interests, and rights.” said Mr Gibson amid applause from the delegates. Fire Threat To Forest (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND., March 19. Flames from a large scrub fire threatened a 6000-acre plantation on Great Barrier Island on Saturday. Forest Service employees and local residents fought the blaze and halted it only half a mile from the plantation. The blaze, which started on private property in the Port Fitzroy area, destroyed about 50 acres of fern. Power-Cyclist Injured Head and arm injuries, abrasions and bruising were suffered by Timothy Riding, of 7 Findlay place. Woolston. when he fell off his powercycle at the corner of Wilsons road and Koromiko street at 9.45 p.m., yesterday. He was taken to the Christchurch Public Hospital by St. John ambulance, treated, and sent home.