ELECTRIC POWER

Evening Star, Issue 19614, 21 July 1927, Page 14

ELECTRIC POWER

THE GOVERNMENT'S SCHEMES SOME INTERESTING FIGURES , [Fes United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 20. Addressing a conference of the Power Boards’ Association, the Minister, the Hon. K S. Williams, said that to meet the ever-increasing demand the departs irent was pushing ahead further the dams at Maugahao, Arapcmi, and Waikartmoana There had been unfortunate delays at Arapuni, and in consequence there would be a probable shortage of supply in the Auckland and Waikato districts next winter. To meet this the department had made arrangements to , purchase surplus power from tho different authorities with generating stations within reach of tho transmission linos. It had purchased and was operating a steam plant belonging to tho Waihi Grand Junction, and had ordered a 4,500k.w. Deisel generating plant. Tho new works at Waikarcmoana should ho completed about December, 1928. The recent extension of 15,000k.w to the Lake Coleridge plant had relieved the position in Contcrbury for the time being. Preparations were also being made for development on tho Waitaki River. ,

Over 100 delegates arc. attending the conference. Tho Prime Minister in bis address spoke of what he had seen overseas and said that what they were doing in New Zealand compared favorably with what was being done elsewhere. They were carrying out a scheme which was interesting to engineers elsewhere; it Was sound in conception and in the best interests of the country’s development. As the amount of power developed tho increased cost would como down The co-operation of the cities was looked for in order to reduce tho cost to tho country districts. In connection with finance, Mr Williams said tho capital expenditure to date was £6,€50,000 by tho -Government and £14,500,000 by local bodies. The actual consumers last year paid about £2,500,030 Consideration was being given to some proposed amendments to tho Power Boards Act, which it was hoped to introduce this session. In regard to tho suggested combined advertising campaign by all interests, Mr Williams said there was no immediate hurry, as the demand for power was catching up with tho supply. As soon as there was an ample supply of juice a campaign would bo proceeded with.

Mr Nash, president of _ the conference, said tho full details of tho scheme would bo placed before next year’s conference.