Nuclear power

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33964, 3 October 1975, Page 8

Nuclear power

Sir, — As an associate of Elizabeth Coe, I am glad to say she does not suffer the over-emotional afflictions apparently suffered by others. Statements like “this lethal technology” are typical of people who rely on emotional arguments rather than logical reasoning. Terry Goodall does not mention the fact that New Zealand mothers will start objecting only when the baby’s bottle cannot be heated and electrical appliances lie idle. By suggesting a survey of school children “N.M.” would have us believe that one of- the requirements to make comments on the subject of nuclear power is to know nothing about it, otherwise one is accused of being biased. I myself would prefer people trained in all aspects of nuclear engineering to have some say. Finally it should be remembered that Madame Curie was an intelligent woman. Her efforts should not go in vain. — Yours, etc., A. J. COOPER. September 30, 1975.

Sir. —Mr Goodall appears to be very concerned that there may be no alternative to nuclear power generation. If he can suggest a viable alternative then I am sure the New Zealand Electricity Department would be pleased to hear of it. Population is increasing all the time and our society is geared to the increasing per capita use of all forms of energy. The planning engineer does not create Otis demand, but it is his job to meet it. To predict future demand he must use past statistics for New Zealand and for other similar countries. The slight reduction in demand over the last two years has been caused by reduced supply and this has caused great inconvenience to many people. If there is insufficient supply in 10 years time, please don't blame the engineers. They are doing their best in the face

of. fierce opposition, often from people who do not always consider only the facts of the issue. — Yours, etc., M. K. WOODFIELD. September 30, 1975. Sir, — I wish to support Elizabeth Coe’s statement that “nuclear power is probably the only option for us.” No-one can deny that New Zealand’s power requirements will increase. At present the only way open to meet the projected demand is by the use of a thermal appliance. Coal has a doubtful potential and no large-scale economic devices using solar energy have been built. Oil is too expensive now, and our natural gas can be put to better uses. This leaves the nuclear option. People should try not to become brainwashed by any particular camp, but be aware that this technology exists and that we may have to call upon it. — Yours, etc., P. C. MORRIN. September 30, 1975. [This correspondence is now closed.—Editor.)