WORKS AND HYDRO DEPARTMENTS TAKEN TO TASK

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1950, Page 3

WORKS AND HYDRO DEPARTMENTS TAKEN TO TASK

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 28 (P.A.) Criticism of the Ministry of Works and the State Hydro-Electric Department for the lack of co-ordina-tion in the developing of hydro schemes was expressed in the reports of both the. North and the South Island Power Supply Committees presented to the Power Boards’ Association conference today. The South Island committee referred to exasperating delays on various schemes, which, it was stated were due primarily to shortages of engineering staff and to a lack of coordination between two Departments. The committee considered there was a great need to review the whole organisation entrusted with the generation and supply of electric power. Annual Loss Of £700,000

The North Island Committee, after referring to the fact that the restrictions between April and June this year cost the North Island boards £125,000 in revenue, stated that the annual loss of revenue was £700,000, and that the consumers had to spend £750,000 in providing alternative power supplies. The committee criticised the Government organisation as being inadequate to meet the needs of the country, claiming that, even if the two departments were able to build up the necessary technical staff, such a form of control was not likely to deliver the goods. On top of this was the dead hand of the Treasury, the report continued, plus the restrictions of the Public Service Commission and the Government’s unwillingness, or inability, to pay salaries to attract and keep professional men. The report urged the Government to seek outside assistance in the planning of the works and in advising on'the need for a coal plant at Wellington. Power From Tekapo

The South Island Committee said that it is doubtful whether the power will be available from Tekapo; even in a limited way, for next winter. and it might not be fully available for 1952 if the slow progress is continued on the storage control measures. The committee also urged a speed-up on the installation of control gates at Lake Pukaki. The North Island committee said that, if an early dry autumn, like that of 1948, was encountered with a low level in Lake Waikaremoana, the position would be almost disastrous; and there would be a serious economic upset, even if a normal dry season developed. There would be no increase on the present North Island installed capacity until the first Maraetai unit came in, probably in January, 1952.