IN THE KEY OF "IF."

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 134, 3 December 1910, Page 4

IN THE KEY OF "IF."

Water-power was about the most interesting item in yesterday's mixture of Public Works. Some of the old fallacies, now well worn, were run out again, but generally there was an improvement iiv the percentage of sense. Mr. Massey and Mr. Wilford each, gave a welcome contribution. Sir Joseph Ward, unfortunately, was too vague in. his replies to be helpful. , He wished io make members believe that they had received sufficient data (in the Public Works Statement) to make them waterpower enthusiasts. The Post has plainly shown that some of the print in thai Statement was remarkably erroneous, and much of the important evidence was conflicting. The estimates of power requirements were largely guess-work, and we have already proved that some of the guessing was not brilliant. It was sad to find Sir Joseph Ward, yesterday afternoon, reverting to the popular "something-for-nothing" aspect of the water proposition. "Nature," he said, "has given us extraordinary lake powers, and the water is going to waste. It is a very sorry thing not to urn it." He also preached the peculiar doctrine that because the State could borrow money more cheaply than local bodies, it was advisable for tho State to go into the water business to the exclusion of local bodies. This argument is no more convincing than Sir Joseph. Ward's other argument that it was better to borrow five millions, recently, than three millions, because there was a reduction (in the raising rate) for quantity. This we know — a half pei- cent, saved in interest may be easily lost in two or three per cent, of waste. If local bodies have to bear the risk ths ratepayers will be disposed to' keep a keen eye on the management and the expenditure. With the general taxpayer liable for everything, it will be only human, nature in the inhabitant's of particular districts to "get a point* on to the Government^-that is to secure local benefits at the cost of the New Zealand public. The Government will also have another huge political engine to matte the water-power localities amenable to Ministerial reason. 1 It was a relief to get some definite figures from Mr. Wilford, but even these definite figures rest on the indefinite — the Public Works Statement. Assuming three large "ifs," Mr. Wilford has the assurance of the city's engineers (who have consulted with Mr. Holmes) that the corporation will be able to deal with. the State with profit alike to each. party to the bargain. If the State can afford to sup ply v current at .66d per unit, and if the supply is guaranteed to be' regular enough to enable the City Council to "scrap" its power station, thus eliminating the steam reserve plant, the City Council will be able to pay, the Government £34,000 a year towards the total cost of £38,000 required, in. Mr. Holmes's opinion, to run the Hutt works. Also the council will be able to write off the present plant at the rate of £4700 a year, and make a clear profit of £4000. This is all very alluring. We give the city's officers all praise for the faithfulness of their analyses and synthesis, but if the whole fabric of their carefully-framed estimates rests on quicksands, the reports will be mainly of mere academic interest. If the sands hold cement to make them set firmly we shall be glad. We hope that the "ifs" will stand all the shaking that they are to receive. For the present the Government has to promise more than it could offer even in the glittering Statement. Mr. Birka estimated that the State's average selling price would be .81d per unit in Wellington, on a supply that was double My. Richardson's estimate, but it is beyond question,- as Mr. Holmes has admitted, that the Wellington City Council, loaded with, the present power stations, cannot afford to buy at a higher rate than .66d. Even if the State is able to retail at this price, there will still be that problem of the guarantee which the council will require to permit it to dispense with the power stations. Experience has shown that when electrical energy developed from water - ' power at a distance is used for such public and private utilities as lighting, and heat, and power for trams, it is advisable to nave a reserve plant. The much-vaunted Waipori scheme has a steam brother standing by to help in case of a break-down. This emergency plant has been used several times, and it has to be maintained in good order, so that it may be available at very shorC notice. The whole matter of water-power, as it lies in the Government's mind, is so bewildering and confusing that the people need some cold and calm outsider, an unimpeachable expert, to make an examination of the puzzling caße, which has been presented by Ministers in lurid hues.