GREY POWER BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 March 1929, Page 5

GREY POWER BOARD

ARNOLD HYDRO SCHEME LOAN POLL ON APRIL 17. The question of raising the necessary loan of £llB,OOO for the development of hydro-electric power from the Arnold River, will be placed before the ratepayers of the Grey Power Board’s district on Wednesday, April 17. This was decided by the Board at a meeting held last evening. “Everything will be placed before the ratepayers,” said the Chairman (Mr. J. W. Greenslade), after the date nf tho nnll wps fivprl “NTnthinp' will he

kept back, in any shape or form, and everything will be above board. Anyone who wishes to challenge the figures, or to protest in any way, will be free to express themselves fully.” The sanction of the Loans Board to the proposal having been read, the Chairman reported on the deputation’s activities in Wellington. The members of the deputation were the Secretary (Mr. A. J. McDowall), the Engineer (Mr. S. Trotter) and the Chairman. Mr. J. O’Brien, although not a member of the deputation, was in Wellington at the time, and also assisted. The object of the deputation was to ascertain whether there were any doubts in the minds of members of the Loans Board, and endeavour to clear them away. The Chairman, continuing, said he left the Municipal Conference at Wanganui early, so that he could proceed to Wellington and attend the Loans Board meeting. He was fortunate in meeting at the Conference at Wanganui a member of the Loans Board who was well conversant with local body requirements, and they had a lengthy discussion before reaching Wellington. He put the facts of the whole scheme before that gentleman. Meanwhile, Messrs O’Brien and McDowall had been busy at Wellington, interviewing various officials and explaining the scheme. It was not the practice of the Loans Board to receive deputations, but an exception was made in this case, and the deputation met the Board in committee and explained the proposals. Mr. O’Brien and the speaker addressed the Board at some length, and the secretary was called in to answer questions, but the Engineer was not required. With regard to the engineering part of the scheme, that had been passed by the Public Works Department, and there was evidently no doubt in the minds of the Board members regarding the scheme generally. They were .satisfied that it was feasible, and that it was the best of all the different schemes that had been considered in the Grey district. The only difference of opinion with regard to the Arnold River scheme was the question of dam construction. It was considered that this would cost £5OOO more than had been estimated by the consulting engineers, but that amount was more than amply provided for by the lessening of charges generally in connection with the scheme. It was passed as sound with regard to the capital expenditure. He thought that was satisfactory in itself, said Mr. Greenslade. The Grey Board had considered the matter for some eighteen months, and now they found such an influential body as the Loans Board agreeing with the conditions and approving that the work could be carried out for the money. 'lt must be realised that the Loans Board was a body of financial and engineering experts, appointed by the Government to go into different schemes for the protection of the people. The Loaqs Board’s endorsement amply backed up the Grey Board. Many questions were asked by members of the Loans Board with regard to the future of the Grey district. That was a matter which had to be cleared up, the possible revenue and the solidity of the speculative concerns in the district. They were able to convince the Board that they had a sound proposition so far as the industrial and domestic load was concerned, a proposition that would compare favourably with that of any other Board in New Zealand. They were informed later that the Loans Board had agreed to the proposals, in full. It was very satisfactory indeed to think that the Board had the endorsement of the Loans Board. The matter had been considered from every angle for practically eighteen months, and they had eliminated every scheme except the Arnold. The Loans Board’s unanimous endorsement was in favour of carrying out the Arnold hydro scheme, as against the Kumara water-

race, the extension of the steam plant, or any other scheme in the district. Now, they could go to the ratepayers with the assurance that they not only as laymen, had their own opinion expressed in a satisfactory manner, but it was backed up by the Loans Board. It might be as well to say, for the sake of publicity, that the loan poll would be. taken on April 17. It was thought fit to take it then, on account o.* (here being so many varied proposals before the ratepayers, both in the County and in the Borough, on the respective polling dates. The cost of the separate poll would be very little more. They wanted the minds of the people to be clear of all other issues, so that they could concentrate on the loan proposal, with a view to expressing themselves finally and fully, either one way or the other. “It might be advisable to mention,” added the Chairman, “that this is not the original Arnold scheme (proposed by Mr. C. Uddstrom), but a subsequentscheme, gone into by the consulting engineers and modified to a considerable extent. The original proposals involved a considerable amount more ; money, and other features.” “It is only different so far as the tail race is concerned,” said Mr. Uddstrom.

“I beg to differ,” protested Mr. H. Duggan. “Mr. Uddstrom did not know of this scheme himself until'he was taken up there. He had never seen the scheme until he was taken to it.” Mr. J. Mulcare moved that the Chairman’s report be received, and the deputation thanked for its efforts. He felt sure before they left Greymouth that the members of the deputation would do their best, and he was pleased at their success. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Duggan, and carried. “ELECTIONEERING” Mr. Mulcare said he had a matter to bring up, and he supposed it was better to do so publicly. The Board originally discussed the hydro proposal in committee, he said, and then in open Board. They were practically

unanimous, but Mr. A. Robinson said it was no good to his district. Mr. Mulcare said he recently got into an ; argument with a ratepayer, who made the same objection that Mr. Robinson had done. He would like to point out that it was hypocritical, so far as Mr. Robinson was concerned, and that the latter would have to take his share of the blame, as a member of the Grey County Council. The opposition to continuing the scheme originated in his

district, and Mr. Robinson defied that opposition. So far as the statement was concerned, that the scheme was nd good, one might infer that some other scheme was good. He would like to point out that the scheme was likely to be more beneficial to his district than the scheme to which he was a party in forcing upon the ratepayers. Mr. Robinson did not investigate the Arnold scheme, and could not consider that proposal at all. “If there is any squeal coming,” concluded Mr. Mulcare, “Mr. Robinson will have to take his share.” The Chairman informed Mr. Robinson that he had the right of reply. “I am going to make myself very clear,” said Mr. Robinson, promptly accepting, the opportunity. “When this

thing was first mooted in Greymouth, Mr. H. F. Doogan and other members of the Borough Council came along to persuade the County Council to join with the Borough. I recorded my vote against the County joining with the Borough. Mr. Mulcare says I have to take my share of the blame. I am quite prepared for that, and I am just the man to carry it, too! Mr. Lord was employed to go around the district, to get this declared a Power Board district. Mr. Lord came as far as Moana, but he was never in my riding.” Mr. Mulcare: Why did you not protest?

“How could I protest?” asked Mr. Robinson. “The thing was carried, the area defined, and I had nothing to do with it whatever. I am quite prepared to take my share of the blame, and I won’t go behind anyone’s back either!” Mr. J. B. Kent said that the position was just the opposite from what had been stated. The Borough Council made a sacrifice, in order to help the outer districts. The Borough Council helped other places, which did not have a gas supply like Greymouth, to secure electricity. The Chairman remarked that he was giving members latitude in the discussion, and that there was really nothing before the Board. Mr. Mulcare said that the new scheme would be better for the ratepayers in the Otira district than the scheme adopted by the old Board. The new scheme had been justified by four different engineers, plus the experts on the Loans Board. Had Mr. Robinson fought his ratepayers and held up the old scheme, there was every possibility that it would have been reorganised, and other parts of the district included. There was not the slightest doubt that if the ratepayers in the Otira Valley got electric power, it would he through the new scheme.

Mr. Smeaton: It would be better to keep such discussions for electioneering!

Mr. Robinson stated that he was on the Arnold with the first engineer who reported on it. “A different scheme,” declared Mr. Mulcare.

Mr. Robinson: I have seen the Arnold oftener than ever you did! 1 will leave it to my ratepayers to use their judgment when the polling day comes along. I think that is the best way to settle it. The Chairman asked whether it was advisable to continue the discussion any further.

“I don’t think so,” replied Mr. Robinson. On the voices, it was decided to apply the closure. A sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman and the town members, was appointed to carry out the details in connection with the taking of the poll. On the motion of Mr. Smeaton, seconded by Mr. Mulcare, it was decided to appoint Mr. D. M. Robertson as returning officer. “I take it that you will have meetings throughout the district?” asked Mr. Mulcare, and the Chairman replied in the affirmative. The matter of arranging meetings was referred to the sub-committee. After discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Duggan, seconded by Mr. Mulcare, that Messrs Vickerman and Lancaster, the consulting engineers, be requested to visit the district and explain the scheme, beforq the poll was taken. In reply to Mr. Duggan, the Chairman said that the Board had a hard and fast agreement with the engineers. If the loan were approved, no fee would be charged for the suggested visit, but if the loan were defeated, out of pocket expenses would be paid.