Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, April 17th., 1929. TO-DAY'S POLL.

Grey River Argus, 17 April 1929, Page 4

Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, April 17th., 1929. TO-DAY'S POLL.

After having for years been 1 familiarised with t.he ease both ' for and against the harnessing of ' the Arnold River to provide the district with electricity, the rate- ' payers to-day have it in their own hands to decide the matterThe time for argument, of course, has now passed, and it is for the voters to give their verdict. In giving the controversy publicity, we have been convinced that its importance to the future of the district is not to be ignored, and that it was desirable for both sides of the question to obtain prominence, in order to afford the fullest guidance for those upon whose votes the final decision rests. It is also to be remarked that the fullest possible poll is desirable, and that every ratepayer, whether for or against the loan, ought to exercise his or her franchise, so that in the ultimate re suit there shall be no misgiving as to the weight of opinion behind the verdict. Critics of the hydro proposition, no less than supporters, are to be given credit I for their honest convictions, and I the ratepayers can only be guided by the weight of evidence- We have already indicated out view as to which alternative has_ the preponderance of evidence in its favour, not merely in relation to immediate, but to prospective requirements. Possibly the attitude of not a few voters will depend upon whether they take a longtime view or limit their survey to the present. Nobody is blind, of course, to the advantages of an adequate supply of electricity, oi to those of cheapening the supply, the only difference being as to whether hydro will give the chea per supply. It may assist voters therefore, to weigh for them selves the expert comments last evening offered by a designer of the Arnold scheme. Mr Vickerman, which appear in to-day’s issue, and ask themselves if they can detect any flaw in his reasoning, based as it is upon his professional experience in connection with other schemes of the same, naturp. As regards his likening of the Arnold project to the Waipori system,, in price and in other respects, the fact that a quarter of a million sterling in profit has been realised on the Southern hydro installation requires a certain qualification. There is not yet so great a population here as that which has as- ; sisted to render the Waipori ■ scheme such a wonderful financial : success, although what effect a ; similar scheme here might _ have :in increasing population is a ; point calling for consideration. • At the same time, the public : should be careful to judge the • hydro proposal on its own merits. : and not confuse it with any side ■ issues of a financial or other na- : ture, because if the scheme will ■ do what is claimed confidently : for it, the financial effect must be : entirely beneficial for the district. : However, as already remarked, : the minds of the great majority : have doubtless been already made :up and one and all therefore : have simply the duty to east ■ their votes, and give the district : the benefit of their judgment.