HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 149, 12 March 1923, Page 5

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

WAIKAREMOANA SCHEME

OFFICIAL OPENING

By Tulegbaph.—Press association. V/airoa, Alarch 9. The official opening of the first stage of the Waikaremoana hydro-electric power scheme took place at mid-day to-day, when the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works, performed the ceremony of turning on the current at the head works near the lake, 28 miles from Wairoa. There was a large attendance from all parts of the district, as well as from all over the East Coast, practically all tho local bodies being represented. There were also some nine or ten members of Parliament present. The Maoris of tho Lake District assembled in strong force and gave a leal Native welcome. Appropriate speeches were delivered by Air. G. C. Ormond, chairman of the Wairoa Power Board, Sir James Carroll, and the Hon. J. G. Coates. The latter dealt with the history of the Dominion’s hydro-electric development. The Government was now developing the three-key scheme ill the North Island—Alangahao, ArapunL and Waikaremoana. The last mentioned would undoubtedly bv the most important and be the basis of reserve for all the other schemes in the North Island. Air. Coates paid a tribute to the generous dealing of the Alaoris of the district with regard to 70,000 acres of bush land skirting the shores of the lake, and absolutely necessary for rain conservation. The present scheme had cost £47,000. Afuch reading required to be done first. The whole work had been splendidly carried out by the Public Works men.

A big Maori feast was afterwards provided for tlie whole of the visitors. The Minister afterwards turned on the power for the new electric motors at the Wairoa Freez’ng Works, the largest power consumer. A similar ceremony took place in the borough at night, at which many complimentary speeches were made. A banquet followed, attended by a large and representative gathering.