ELECTRIC POWER

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 2, 2 July 1926, Page 7

ELECTRIC POWER

A CENTRAL OTAGO SCHEME.

n \ d?P^ atl°? representing the Otago Central Electric Power Board waited on the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. J G Coates) and the Minister of Public •Works (the Hon. K. S. Williams) to-day with the request that the Government should allow the board the use of the head waters of the lloaring Meg, a river m Central Otago, for the purpose of developing its hydro-electric scheme. The deputation consisted of the chairman of the board (Mr. W. Black), the engineer (Mr. A. P. Aldridge), and Mr! C. Weaver. Mr. Black explained that it had been proposed that the waters of the Roaring Meg should be used for irrigation purposes, but that scheme had been abandoned on account of the expense involved so far as holders of land were concerned. The board at present was obtaining its main supply from the Teviot, but that supply was practically absorbed. Mr. Coates asked when an increased supply would be needed. Mr. Black replied that they, had had many applications for power, including one from a mining company which intended to operate. That company was prepared to deposit a large amount with the board as an indication of ita good faith. Mr. Coates remarked that the' position would have to be watched. They had to be very careful to see that good agricultural country was not "mopped up" ,for other purposes. As far as ogricultural land was concerned they would nave to call a halt. Mr. Black said that the Power Board was just as anxious as the Minister to preserve the agricultural land, and pointed out that the electric power scheme could be worked in conjunction with an irrigation scheme. In reply to a further question, Mr. Black said that if they were allowed to proceed with the Roaring Meg proposal the board would guarantee to supply the Public Works Department with 600 horsepower for pumping purposes. After some further discussion, Mr. Coates said that he would go into the matter with the Minister of Public Works. No doubt Mi. Williams would visit the locality, and he (the Prime Minister) would like to accompany him.