STOKE ELECTRIC POWER WORKS

Evening Star, Issue 22515, 7 December 1936, Page 13

STOKE ELECTRIC POWER WORKS

STAND-BY PUNT TO PROCEED [Per United Press Association.] NELSON, December 6. The Minister of Public Works (Mr Semple) turned the first sod of the stand-by plant at the Hume (Cobb River) Hydro-Electric Company’s works at Stoke on Saturday afternoon before a large attendance. The Minister said that before giving authority to the company to harness the Cobb River he had given the matter very considerable thought in order to make absolutely sure that tho rights of the people were adequately safeguarded. When he was satisfied on this point he felt it wsa his duty, in the interests of the people not only to allow the company to proceed. but to speed up development in every possible way. He had said “ O.'K. Go ahead,” and he was glad the company had proceeded to work without delay. It would also lead to the development of industries which more and more New Zealand must look to for its prosperity. It was his objective to see every home in New Zealand, no matter bow far from the centres of population, equipped with all electrical conveniences, for the benefit of the man on the land and to assist all mothers in their household duties. The Minister said he hoped that the water would soon be surging through the pipes, lighting up tho •whole countryside. Mr W. R. Hume, managing director of the Hume Pipe Company, presented the Minister with a commemorative gold spade to mark the occasion. * Full endorsement and support of the proposed Cobb Valley hydro-electrio undertaking by tho Hume (Cobb River) Electric Power Company for the supply of the Nelson district with light and power and for the dcveloipment of the mineral deposits in the Golden Bay district were given by the Minister at a banquet held in Nelson on Saturday night to mark the commencement of the company’s operations in the Nelson area. “ I am satisfied,” the Minister said, “ that the venture, or undertaking, for it is more than a venture, with which we have been associated to-day will stand the test of time for Nelson and the surrounding districts. There is a huge amount of natural wealth near this town, and it is to be used to its full.”- . .