Lake Manapouri

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30192, 25 July 1963, Page 3

Lake Manapouri

Sir,—-Last November, flor economic and political considerations, Oomaloo postponed indefinitely its aluminium smelting project based on Mamapouri power, but the main reason stated was that Comalco was unable to raise the necessary finance. In February the Government decided to proceed with the Manapouri scheme to provide power for the national grid. On June 7 at Invercargill, Mr Holyoake was reported as saying that “it was not possible to say that the establishment at an aluminium industry would follow as “a matter of course.” But aiflter the lotting of the tailrace tender. Mr Hibberd, for Comalco said, “We are delighted at this further development in our joint project with the New Zealand Government to establish an aluminium industry in New

Zealand." Does this indicate that Comalco is happy to take the cake—and the lake—4f New Zealand taxpayers will pay for it, or is there another secret Government agreement?—Yours, etc., B. K. THOMSON. Marrinsville, July 16, 1963. [The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said: “A decision as to whether or not Coma’ao will take power from Manapouri is a matter entirely for the company. If the company takes power it will pay a proper price for the power. There is no secret agreement between the Government and the company concerning power from Manapouri.”]