GREY POWER SCHEME

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 January 1924, Page 2

GREY POWER SCHEME

RIVER-BED TO BE TESTED.

Next week will see' the scheme to introduce electric power and lighting to the Grey Power District definitely launched, last night’s special meeting of the Board having decided that the work of testing bed of the Arnold T(iver> be proceeded with. Those present at the meeting were the chairman (Mr H. F. Doogan), Messrs Cooke, D. Baybutt, D. Tennent, J. Taylor, J. Wick H. G. Carter, A. Robinson, and G. E. Perkins. After stating that- the meeting had been called to consider the preliminary steps in the institution of the scheme, following on the cariying of the loan proposal, the chairman reported that a letter had been received from the National Electrical and Engineering Company, whose engineer, Mr J. S. Langford had framed the original report to the Board, offering to prepare the plans and specifications for £1250. Prior to that .of course, the bed of the Arnold River must be tested. \ Mr Tennent said that they had a great responsibility to the ratepayers, and he wished to make sure that everything possible was done in their interests. He thought that no stone should be left unturned to make sure that the scheme was absolutely the most suitable and for that reason he thought tenders should be called so as to give other firms a chance. An objection might be taken to the National Electrical and Engineering Company in view of the fact that Jjhey were ..agents for machinery. 'mey wanted to secure the most independent engineer possible. “I am afraid,” said the chairman, •'that it will be impossible, to find an engineer anywhere in New Zealand who is not connected in some way with machinery.” Mr Tennent said that one of the reasons advanced by the objectors to the recent loan proposal was that the firm which reported on the scheme was connected with machinery. They should get the most independent engineer to check their -plans. t The chairman said that he agreed that no cliances should be taken with theischeme. He had every confidence in the Government engineers to whom ;he plans and specifications wouia have to be submitted for approval. At the same time he was quite in accordance with the idea that even it it cost them a £lOO extra they should have another’ engineer also to check the plans and so be absolutely certain of their ground. Mr Cooke suggested calling tenders for the submission of the plans and specifications. The call could be advertised in the two principal centres Wellington and Christchurch, which would bring it under the notice of all . the firms likely to consider the work.

Mr Tennent said that before anything else could be done they had to test the bed of the river. Although be hoped such would not be the case, it was within the bounds of possibility that the nature of that bed might necessitate the expenditure of qonsijderably more than could be raised by the loan now authorised. IF so they would have to have all the facts in their possession before any further step was taken. The scheme simply could not proceed until the bed was tested. That would be the groundwork of all their plans. The chairman said that it was certainly necessary to have that information first. He asked whether it would be possible to have the bed tested before the tenders for the plans and specifications were called.

Mr Carter said he would move that Mr Langford be asked whether he would test the river bed before tenders were called for the preparation of the plans and specifications and that the decision of accepting the quote be left in the hands of the chairman with power to act. If Mi* Langford would test the foundations, then all the firms could be given a chance. Mr Tennent seconded the motion, but the chairman declined to act on his own. He suggested that the town :nem,Bers be appointed a committee to deal with the matter. It then occurred to the chairman that Mr Langford could be communicated with by telephone. “Toll” wag communicated with and while waiting for a reply from Christchurch the Board dealt with the financial question.

The chairman said he had a number of letters from various insurance companies in Australia and New Zealand. It might be possible to .secure tire loan that way and save brokerage. The question was what amount would they require by the time they came to accept the tender to erect the plant in June next. Mr Tennent said that was a matter in which the engineer could very well guide them.

The chairman said it would be necessary to call a special meeting to strike the special rate, get everything in order and have the debentures prepared. It might be difficult if they could not secure the money at per cent. The rate mujst cover whatever amount they wish to borrow. It would be very difficult if debentures were printed at per cent and six per cent were required. It was decided to refer the question to a special meeting to deal with the striking of the rate? . A ring on the telephone led the secretary (Mr M. J. Fogarty) to exclaim “Here’s Christchurch,” and the chairman disappeared in the adjoining room to converse with Mr Langford. After a while he returned, and, putting his head in the doorway said “Here, Mr Tennent, you have a go!” Mr Tennent retired also, and after a minute or so had elapsed both the chairman and he returned.

The chairman explained that Mr Langford was prepared to carry out the work at £550 plus £250 for engineering fees. He said he would no.t do the work himself but would get into communication that night with hydraulic experts who would accompany him to the Coast and sink bores. M,r Cooke said that £BOO was a preposterous sum for sinking bores. “I don’t think that is the amount,” said Mr Tennent. “I understood him to say that the Jot would be covered by the £550.”

“Oh, that puts a different complexion on it,” said the chairman. “I am not used to contracts and so on, and when he quoted that figure I called you to the telephone. You may be right.”

Mr Tennent suggested again ringing Mr Langford. This was done and it was found that the chairman was right. Mr Langford however, stated that in the event, of his quote of £1250 for the preparation of the plans and specifications being accepted, the amount of the tender for testing the foundations would be deducted and the preparation of the plans carried out lor the balance of the £1250. It would, be necessary to urove the lower levels, and the machinery for all this work would be provided. The chairman said that Mr Langford expects to get + he boring plant used in the Waimakb Cci scheme, hut would have to get a punt on the Coast. ’ “Are you all agreed that these conditions be accepted?” asked the chairman. “Yes,” replied the members. ' Mr Langford, who was then on the other end was informed of the Board’s decision and he stated that the

hydraulic experts and himself would come to Greymouth on Saturday or Tuesday at the latest.