HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER.

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 March 1922, Page 3

HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER.

(To the Editor. ) Sir,— Kindly allow me space for a. few remarks in connection with the above subject. I notice that at lire last meeting of the Borough Council delegates' wen* appointed to bring this matter before the Minister of Public \\ orks on his arrival in Greymouth. If a. Power Board is formed 1 would Lie very sorry to find that they were going to have anything to do with the Government water race and dam at the Kapatea for the purpose of supplying Greymouth with water and electric light. We have plenty of trouble and expense here now in connection with our pumping scheme, without taking over such a huge, .scheme as the Kumara water race and dam. The risk and expense would be out of the question. It would be a good thing for the Government to get rid of. When the Kapatea dam was built great difficulty was experienced in getting a foundation. Piles were driven, but they did not stand the pressure and the dam burst away. Then trenches were sunk and squared timber was laid down with timber uprights and stone built between. So far the dam is standing, hut as time goes on the wood work will get rotten and the whole dam front will want renewing. The question is: What is going to be the cost! Then, again, you will have fluming to contend with. Some of it is very old and rotten. Thon there is three-quarters of a mile of timbered tunnel to keep in order and repair. Anyone with experience would know what that means : Continual repairs and huge expenses. The water in the Kapatea Creek is not fit for human consumption. It is of a dark colour and boggy and not fit for use. e don’t want any more “white elephants” to support in this district. Therefore, 1 would strongly advise the Power Board if it is formed to have nothing to do with the Kumara water scheme. Keep clear of trouble. There is only one water scheme that will suit Greymouth and that is the Ten LXlile Creek, with a dam at the head if required, in good solid country, rock foundation, new works from beginning to end and good water, fit for the gods. There is a fine chance of constructing a new line □f pipes right through and connect Greymouth with water and electric light for all . Lime and not much after expense or repairs when the job is completed. The delegates appointed should make a move to ( jet the Minister to have a survey made and an estimate given for a water supply | from the Ten Mile Creek. 'This is the scheme we want for Greymouth, the best mil cheapest in the end. —i am, etc., EXPERIENCE.