Manapouri Talks Urged

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32209, 30 January 1970, Page 1

Manapouri Talks Urged

I _ (N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, Jan. 29. The Save Manapouri ; Campaign might eventually seek renegotiation I of the contract between [the owners of the Bluff aluminium smelter and | the Government, because of possible “excessive concessions” granted by the Government in the contract. ! Mr R. J. McLean, chairman of the Southland Save Manaipouri Committee, said this in 'Dunedin. 1 The agreement between

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, Ltd, and the Government could determine the future level of Lake Manapouri, he said. The clauses in the agreement on present and future power requirements should be made public so that the people could see exactly what the Government had promised the company, and what effect these commitments were likely to have on the lake level. “In its enthusiasm to secure the aluminium industry for New Zealand, the Government may have given excessive concessions of which the public are not aware, and which would be unacceptable to the majority of

people in this country,” Mr McLean said in an interview. He said that it might have been possible for the Government to secure the industry without some of these concessions.

Mr McLean felt certain that New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, Ltd, which comprised three major overseas groups, would be quite reasonable in its attitude to lake levels, and might be prepared to review the agreement. The company was obviously interested ill the success of the smelter, but would certainly not want to lose the good will of the people of New Zealand.

[Dunedin Group’s Statement, Back Page]