WAIPORI.

Evening Star, Issue 23147, 22 December 1938, Page 2

WAIPORI.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —If your leader writer ceased to take it for granted that Labour councillors are always wrong and devoted more thought to the merits of arguments, your paper would be a more reliable guide to public opinion. I do not agree that my remarks about Waipori were caustic or extravagant. Council is spending £IOO,OOO on the construction of another tunnel at Waipori and the installation of two more 3,000 kw units. I agree with the extension, but I contend, that the installation of two v additional units at Waipori without at the same time raising the height of the dam, to ensure an adequate supply of water, is shortsighted and risky.

Or Henderson and Cr Cameron say that there is sufficient storage in the existing dam to run the present plant plus the additional unit. My reply is to quote from the E.P. and L. Committee’s report in the agenda for the council meeting, July 4, 1938: “ With a view to conserving the water supply at Waipori the council has been drawing on the Waitaki supply to the extent of 7,000 kw during the past quarter.” How does this fact square with the’ opinion now expressed that under similar climatic condition there will be sufficient water to run the existing plant plus the additional unit? Kather than repeat the mistakes of the past council should plan ahead and complete the dam, thereby ensurmgr an adequate supply of water for all time and under all climatic conditions—l am, etc., D. G. M‘Milx.an. December 21.